Soccer Mommy Feels It All The Time on The Listening Lawn

All the Gen Z’s, queers and soccer moms came out to the Listening Lawn in Grand Rapids, MI for Soccer Mommy. The breeze was cool, the sun was out and the vibes were just right at this outdoor venue.

We started off the night rocking and dancing with Pool Kids, a Florida band who received widespread recognition in 2017 after Paramore’s own Hayley Williams posted an Instagram story featuring their album. A great pair to the main act who opened for Paramore in 2018 during the After Laughter Tour. Pool Kids were energetic, grungy and fresh. Their sound was familiar to 2010s pop punk bands, reminiscent of your middle school emo phase in the best way. They may have been opening, but they owned the stage, even coming down to dance with the crowd. These rockers left you instantly looking up when their next show was so you could be in the front row and playing their 2022 self-titled album on the way home.

Soccer Mommy continued the night opening with Bones, the first track of their album Sometimes, Forever. The crisp, cool breeze blowing mixed with the somber music playing transported us to a different world. There were moments I would close my eyes and couldn't help but lose myself in the music.

That dark portal behind my eyelids came to life during Darkness Forever. The guitars were piercing, the bass radiating all while the spell we were under commanded us to start head banging. The apartment buildings surrounding us began to fill their balconies as residents wondered what exactly was that melody they were hearing.

After the religious experience ensued by the Nashville band, they gave the crowd a rest, slowing things down. If you have ever played a sad playlist in your car to cry to, there is no doubt that Scorpio Rising was in that rotation. The passion was just as clear live and packed even more of a punch during sunset. The crowd swayed and so many voices rang to the mournful lyrics. A chord was struck in everyone in the audience allowing us to release both tears and emotions.

Soccer Mommy was sure to bring us back in with a delightful and nostalgic cover of Sheryl Crow’s Soak Up The Sun. The crowd and the balconies danced along to the perfect summer sound. The cheerful enthusiasm on the lawn carried on for a small encore.

The night was light and fun and a great way for summer to come to an end. Pool Kids solidified themselves as more than just an opener, gaining tons of new fans. Our evening with Soccer Mommy did not disappoint and if you get a chance and a ticket, be sure to catch them while you can.

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