Tastes Like TV Static, Carport and Pressed kicked off the first house show of the season
By MIRIAM RAMAKRISHNAN — arts@theaggie.org
For many, winter quarter stirs up anxiety over upper-division classes or despondency over the sun setting earlier every day — for those at the Arts and Culture desk, however, a fresh 10 weeks means more live music to watch.
On Jan. 9, UC Davis’ very own student radio station, KDVS 90.3FM, hosted a backyard show featuring local California bands Tastes Like TV Static, Carport and Pressed.
Tastes Like TV Static is defined by Midwest emo instrumentals, reminiscent of bands like Rocket and Wisp. Carport and Pressed are more sonically similar, sharing an almost Weezer-inspired energy, with grungy guitar riffs and loud solos.
Tastes Like TV Static and Carport are both Sacramento-based indie rock bands, while Pressed recorded their first tracks in Santa Rosa; all three draw a crowd that spans far beyond the Davis bubble.
Despite the chilly January air and the formidable distance from campus, the backyard crowd was packed shoulder to shoulder. Bundled up in coats and scarves, the crowd’s members were excitedly conversing long before the music started.
KDVS Events Director Christian Renteria, a third-year statistics major, played a large role in setting up the night and ensuring the event’s logistical flow. Outside of his responsibilities, Renteria shared his favorite aspect of the radio station’s recurring house shows.
“We get to be connected with the community and the local scene,” Renteria said. “One of the best things is coming to these shows and seeing these upcoming bands that might make it one day, and honestly just being right in front of them.”
Throughout the night, the sound evolved from hazier, shoegaze-esque riffs to more punky, intense sets. Drums became faster and sharper, and guitars shed their earlier dreaminess to cut through the crowd.
As newcomers joined the scene, audience members would separate from the crowd and greet the new arrivals, recognizing each other from previous shows hosted within the Davis music scene.
“We’re able to be with the community and have a place for all the freaks and geeks and alternative people,” Renteria said. “I see a lot of people here who are part of the station, but there’s people who I’ve never seen and aren’t even part of KDVS, who are here just to see the music and enjoy it.”
Tanith Tsang, a first-year economics major, shared her thoughts on the show and why she chose to spend her Friday night with KDVS 90.3FM.
“As a musician, I would go to a house show over a party any day,” Tsang said. “It’s a great way to bond with my bandmates, and you get to see some crazy sets while getting thrown around in a mosh pit.”
Thrown around was not an exaggeration; moshers ran into each other at full speed, an attendee dressed as DoodleBob was launched into crowd-surfing and the backyard was a constant buzz of activity.
First-time house show attendee Lucy Niu, a first-year managerial economics major, spoke about her experience.
“It was definitely unforgettable,” Niu said. “The energy there was better than I had expected; it seemed like everyone was fully immersed in the music and the bands playing. The first band [Tastes Like TV Static] was my favorite that night — I liked them so much that I started listening to them on my own.”
Maki Draper, a first-year human biology major, also recounted their experience, noting the lively community found within the house show crows.
“I love discovering new music, especially when it’s fellow Aggies,” Draper said. “It’s always enjoyable to be surrounded by talent, especially when it’s within a crowd that’s supportive and energetic — the show was a great way to kick-off winter quarter.”
Written by: Miriam Ramakrishnan — arts@theaggie.org
