Smallpools bring summer anthems to Popscene, their first California show

SF music fans were in for a treat at the Smallpools Popscene show August 8, as the Jersey foursome made their debut California performance. That could explain why Smallpools’ singer, Sean Scanlan, seemed a little nervous at the start of the show — and maybe it was the fact that the show was sold out and the group just started touring in July.

After a short-lived technical hiccup as they situated on stage in front of an eager, young and (always) trendy packed house at Rickshaw Stop, the band dove right into the set with “Mason Jar”, the second track off of their self titled EP. Any nerves Smallpools may have had went away as the band’s laid-back coolness took over. The buoyant audience was already in the groove, dancing and having fun as Sean, Mike (guitar) and Joe (bass) continually connecting with SF fans.

Laughing about being stuck in Costa Rica when they created the “islandy” track “Over & Over”, the guys have a way of making you feel like you’ve been friends since way back when. Their bountiful, insightful banter about needing to get to work on their much needed (not to mention highly anticipated) LP resonated well with the excited crowd.

Since the four tracks off their debut EP are their only released material, it made sense for Smallpools to cover a song or two to beef up their set list. The cheerful riff to the New Radicals’ hit “Get What You Give” was a great fit for the LA 4-piece indie-band’s mellow vibes. The song also served as the best build up for the song everyone was waiting to see live — this summer’s anthem, “Dreaming”.

Popscene burst with enthusiastic applause, breaking out into a full fledge dance party as Smallpools played their smash hit single — they definitely ended the night on a high note!