No Surprise: Rainbow Kitten Surprise Does Alt-Rock Right

When speaking to people about some of my favorite bands, the name “Rainbow Kitten Surprise (RKS)” never fails to get a reaction. Granted, when I first heard the name, I thought to myself that I knew exactly what kind of music they would make. However, as I began to navigate high school and discover new genres, I realized that their name indeed lends itself to being a surprise for the masterpieces that are produced not only technically, but lyrically. After further research, I found that the band explained how they got their name from a close friend that blurted out a random yet, catchy phrase of words. Rainbow Kitten Surprise was born right before they stepped on to stage for their first open mic.

In the small mountain town of Boone, North Carolina, they produced their first album, “Seven + Mary.” That album left one of the biggest impressions on me in shaping the music I continue to listen to today. These songs are timeless in their ability to take the listener through a range of emotions that feel almost nostalgic. So naturally, hearing songs like “Devil Like Me,” “First Class,” and “Black & White” took me back mentally to years of uncertainty and adolescence. While singing along, I contrasted all those feelings from then to how things feel today. Music can anchor listeners to a time, person, place, or thing much like a taste or smell proving that it is a unique and necessary time capsule.

Lead vocalist and genius, Ela Melo, has what I believe to be one of the most iconic voices in alternative rock. Guitarist and supporting vocalist, Darrick Keller, clearly was born to be a musician. His voice melted into Melo’s harmonies seamlessly. I cannot put enough emphasis on the fact that the live show sounded exactly like what you would listen to on your phone or on the radio. It is extremely satisfying when all the notes are hit the same that they scratch your brain through headphones or blasting through speakers. Drummer Jess Haney just had a look of pure joy the entire show. I have honestly never seen a drummer smile so much and it was refreshing to see him having just as much fun just as the audience was.

I was in awe of how Melo moved her body and that her stage presence was unlike any rock concert I had ever been to. I was delighted to learn that stage choreographer, Cat Cogliandro, is not only an impressive talent but, also Melo’s fiancée! It made the movements and motions feel much more intentional than I had assumed they were. The style of dance was whimsical and ethereal almost like a ritual to pray to the music gods.

Their newest album “bones” fits seamlessly into their discography. They continue to make records that don’t stray from their original sound but, the songs feel even more elevated as they grow up with the current era of alternative rock. I am eager to see what they do next and for even more music lovers to be familiar with their everlasting and iconic name.