Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their album Lovetap!, Smallpools has hit the road to play the record all the way through. The tour started on May 1, and after about two weeks, they stopped by the House of Blues in Chicago.
The historic venue in Chicago has seen some legendary acts since opening in 1996, and is one of the more iconic names in Chicago. Smallpools officially commenced 12 years ago, and Lovetap! was their first album, released in 2015. Still as relevant as ever, three of the band’s top five most listened to songs on Spotify are from this album. Like many anniversary tours, the band played the entire record all the way through, except they held the second song till the end. “Dreaming” and its 122M streams on Spotify rightfully earned its spot as the encore for the tour. Besides that, it’s from beginning to end, starting with “American Love” and ending with “(Submarine).”
If you don’t immediately recognize the band’s name or album, I guarantee you will recognize their songs. They have that unique level of stealth fame in the music industry where they have certain songs everyone knows, but maybe doesn’t realize it’s Smallpools. Regardless of whether people know the name or not, if you put on this album, it is sure to get a few “Oh, who’s this band you’re playing?” They’re upbeat, they’re energetic, they’re fun, they’re everything you could look for.
This show was supported by an up-and-coming Southern California band, Rec Hall. After just an opening set, I am already a fan. They have the stage presence of a band that has been doing this for years, and in my opinion, that’s what it takes. They are interesting to watch, they’re fun, they clearly enjoy what they’re doing, and they’re exactly who should be opening for Smallpools. They remind me of a young Briston Maroney or Almost Monday. I’d recommend checking them out as they grow.
Smallpools is the perfect headlining band. They’re pure fun and pure entertainment. They interact with the crowd, they jump around, they truly rock out. There really isn’t a way to truly describe the experience in words. All live music hits in different ways, but this really was a concert you could feel in your soul. Smallpools has that IT factor that makes them so enjoyable to watch. I truly hope everyone goes and sells out the rest of their tour; this is a show you’re going to want to see.
REC HALL
