I’m one of those who is curious to check out related artists when I stream music. Somehow, I stumbled upon the Fruit Bats and found myself enjoying their sound. Railbird Music Festival gave me the opportunity to see them live, but thanks to recordBar in Kansas City, I was able to see them again on a Wednesday night.

Upon moving to Kansas City from Houston, Texas, I wasn’t aware how musically diverse it is, and how this town never lacks for live music on any night, any day of the year. I’m pleasantly surprised by the high-caliber acts that regularly stop in this part of the country.

Nestled in downtown Kansas City off of Grand Blvd, recordBar has a max capacity of 400 people, which makes a great space for a more intimate show. Walking in, if you look up, you’ll notice the classic ceiling tiles, reminiscent of older architecture. Above the full-service bar, there is a small balcony. On the main floor, there are a few tables and chairs set up for those who prefer to sit, and a dance floor to allow for those who prefer to dance or be in front of the action of the band on stage.

Sun June opened the night. I had listened to them prior to the show and had noticed they call Austin, Texas, home. They define their music as “regret pop.” Years, their debut album was released in June 2018. Band members include: Laura Colwell (lead vocals and keyboard), Sarah Schultz (drums), Stephen Salisbury (guitar), Michael Bain (guitar), and Justin Harris (bass). Sun June has been providing support for the Fruit Bats on a tour that started in Utah while making their way through the Midwest. In talking with Laura after the show, she told me that this was their first time in Kansas City. She commented that the crowd was the most engaged out of their tour so far. They will be making a stop in Oklahoma City for a sold-out show before ending the tour in Austin.

By the time that Sun June’s set had finished, the crowd of around 200 began to push forward in anticipation of Fruit Bats taking the stage. If you’re thinking this band is new to the scene, they actually formed in the late 1990’s, and like most bands with that kind of mileage, they have a history that runs deep. In November 2013, Johnson announced he was retiring the band. However, that did not last two full years and the album, Absolute Loser, was released in 2016. One element that has remained constant is lead singer and songwriter, Eric D. Johnson.

With seven albums under their belt, Gold Past Life was released this year, metaphorically marking an end to troubled times, and the beginning of the journeys that await.

Songs from their set included: “The Bottom of It,” “A Lingering Love,” “Humbut Mountain Song,” “Absolute Loser,” “My Sweet Midwest,” as well as some of their older songs. I quite enjoyed seeing their set and seeing the passion of the crowd at recordBar under the dim lights. With so much on mainstream radio, it’s easy to lose perspective of indie bands. The great number of those who listen and follow them, know they are just as desirable today as ever. Give them an honest listen if you haven’t already. Go to a live show and get out of your musical comfort zone.