If you live around Raleigh, Kooley High is one of those groups that everyone seems to be familiar with through word of mouth or after seeing one of their many concert posters promoting their next gig around town. They perform regularly around the Triangle, yet, somehow, I had yet to see one of their shows until now. After procuring a pair of tickets to their show at the Pour House on Friday, May 28, I was pumped to finally see them live.
It was a good thing I was pumped because, rather than letting the unexpected downpour dampen my mood, I used it as a funny conversation starter when seeing other concert goers who had obviously suffered the same water soaked journey from their car to the venue.
The opening artists got the crowd warmed up by the time Carlitta Durand took the stage. Her energy was positive, quirky, and contagious from the get go. When she started singing, everyone was captivated by her soulful lyrics and smooth sound. Her backup singers blended perfectly, and the band played with such energy and passion that almost seemed old school. Undoubtedly, Carlitta performed a beautiful and moving set.
As Kooley High took to the stage, the crowd was ready and the energy was intense. Kooley High did not disappoint and used the energy of the crowd to push it further. Each individual of the group brought something fresh and new to their sound, while still managing to rhyme effortlessly as a group without one person overbearing the others. Their set was tight and powerful. For all of the people in attendance, it was a great way to spend their Friday night.