Sun Room at Royale, 10/3/23
If you want to know who most perfectly represents modern sun-soaked surf rock, look no further than Sun Room. Based out of San Diego, California, Sun Room came to fruition in 2020 during quarantine. Since their inception, they have come out with two EPs that have spawned hit singles and have even made their way onto television; their single “Crashed My Bike” from their second EP was featured in Outer Banks, which launched them into the mainstream, along with help from social media. Even though they have not yet released a full studio album, their popularity has grown from coast to coast.
Although they can be classified as a surf rock band, the band’s sound is a modernization of the genre. While Luke Asgian (lead singer and rhythm guitarist) brings the central surf sound through his saturated vocals, Max Pinamonti (bassist and backup vocalist) brings a unique 70s classic rock feel into the mix, and Ashton Minnish (lead guitarist and backup vocalist) brings in subtle references to metal that only become more apparent when hearing them live.
I first came across Sun Room in March of 2023, when I saw them open for Inhaler’s North American tour. I had never heard them before, but I remember being dazzled by their bright guitar riffs and catchy choruses. I knew I had to see them again if I ever had the chance, and thankfully I did.
I was thrilled to hear that they were going to perform at The Royale: a perfect middle point in downtown Boston that brings crowds from all over the area. As I walked into the venue after picking up my photo pass, the opener, Sports Team, took the stage. The 6 piece band filled the stage, but their synergy performing together stopped it from feeling too overwhelming. Their music contained a chaotic energy, but not in a bad way. They knew how to control this chaos, which helped them present themselves as a solid, cohesive band that knew exactly how to push their limits.
Once Sports Team made their way off the stage, Sun Room’s tour crew didn’t hesitate to start to set up. The crowd cheered the tour crew on while they took down Sports Team’s equipment, getting ready for the headlining set.
As I headed to the photo pit, the lights went out and the crowd went feral. The fans’ screeching pierced through my earplugs as the band made their way onto the stage. Without hesitation, they started the night off with their single ”Just Remember,” which they released following their first EP in 2020.
Their bright guitar rhythms, dynamic drum patterns, and groovy bass lines sent everyone into a full-on frenzy of moshing and crowd surfing. Most of their songs feature lyrics that talk about San Diego and California, reminiscing about how much they love it there because of the people, and the energy of their home. Even though they were playing in Boston, the audience didn’t seem to mind that they talked so much about the West Coast. Songs like “Sunset Blvd” and ”Sunset Garage” are two great examples of their tendency to write music about their home, which resonated with me, despite having never visited the West Coast myself. Later in the set, they played a cover of The Modern Lovers’ song “Roadrunner,” putting their own twist on it. It almost seemed as if they altered it especially for their Boston crowd.
Simply put, Sun Room’s show made me happy; their music was the key to the overwhelming joy that was radiating from me that night. I look forward to seeing Sun Room again soon as they hopefully take on bigger projects!
