Adult Mom (photo: Kaiya Gordon)

I had been looking forward to this day for months. Not only was it the day Soar shared their first single off their debut full length that will be on tape with Father/Daughter Records and on vinyl with Salinas Records, but I was getting to see them live again! Not only them but Free Cake For Every Creature and Adult Mom that have held a place in almost every playlist I’ve made in the last year.

The crowd was younger — teenagers and people in their early 20s, with a scattering of people over 21. It was a lil haven, because I got to see teenagers screaming along, so excited and proud of their favorite band, who is also one of my favorite bands. They made me so happy, because I remember when I was like that. To be honest, I am still a little like that, because I couldn’t hold in my joy, either. Their joy was passed on to me, and I had been on one of those “tearing up over every disappointment” feels before I walked in the door.

Soar’s sound has grown so large since I first saw them live, and they were instantly the crowd’s new favorite. Free Cake For Every Creature has a voice similar to a new therapist who is talking to you so softly in fear that you might break down, but I am not annoyed by her voice. I feel human and full listening to the songs of Free Cake, because they’re all so soft, but deal with feelings that many find weak. “For You” will forever be my favorite Free Cake song online and offline.

I forgot how much I love every single Adult Mom song, because there isn’t a bad one or one that is less catchy to both sing along to and feel similar to. They made us dance, slow dance, scream along, and just be happy to be in that crowd. This was one of the best shows I had seen at Rickshaw in what felt like forever. I felt safe. I was happy to be there, and I made sure everyone knew. This was Adult Mom’s first Bay Area show ever, too, and I know they already miss it.

By the way, there was a “California” by Phantom Planet dance/sing-along after Adult Mom’s set, and I am not sure what else to say other than you’re missing out if you do not go see Adult Mom live.