Lucky Boys Confusion give energetic performance at Otto’s

By JEN HANCE

Otto’s was jumping Friday night, as hundreds of fans crowded the nightclub to welcome back Lucky Boys Confusion.

Lucky Boys are a lot like many other pop-punk bands: the majority of their songs are upbeat, guitar-driven anthems. But they also have subtle influences of ska, metal and even hip-hop. I would not go as far as to say that the sound was unique, but you can’t help but find yourself dancing and singing along to some of the songs, such as “Hey Driver.”

Fans went crazy as band played the song’s opening licks. Dodging pumping fists, moshers and bouncing fans became a necessity.

Lead singer Kaustubh Pandav prowls around the stage like a hip-hop artist, but then jumps up to his mic as he pumps his fist and instigates his devoted fans. It’s obvious that he is well-aware of his large and dedicated fan base, who has followed the band for years.

“I have listened to Lucky Boys since high school, and I love them, so I wasn’t going to miss the show here at Otto’s,” said fan Kaitlin Zordan. The band preceding was Anchondo, playing its first show at Otto’s. The band’s sound was completely different than the rest of the bill, which was excitingly refreshing to hear. Anchondo sounds slightly like a mixture between Los Lonely Boys and Sublime, with a Latin feel to its reggae-inspired rock licks.

As Anchondo rocked out with “The Lesbian Song,” the band proved to be a hit with both the guys and girls in the crowd. The lyrics and silly comments by band members kept the mood light and fun.

Prior to that, The Rebel Angels jumped on stage to deliver the most visually entertaining set of the night. The band had a style that is difficult to describe. Lead singer Nico Deportago-Cabrera said that the band’s influences are soul and garage music, which is apparent in his performance.

Nico has a raspy voice that aches with emotion as he belts out the lyrics with more soul and feeling than the other bands. The Rebel Angels had a blast onstage, especially with bassist Billy Rebel. Throughout the entire set Rebel was all over the stage, jumping on speakers, dancing with Nico and even leaping into the crowd, bass and all, to jam with fans.

The first band to grace the stage was The Sky Rockits from Orland Park. Lead singer Ramzi Hassan said that with the help of friends in Lucky Boys Confusion, the band was able to book the show, and hoped to play more shows in the area.

Despite this being the band’s first show, The Sky Rockits had no fear of the audience. Hassan said, “You guys like The Rolling Stones? Good, here’s a Beatles song,” and he introduced “Hey Bulldog.” The band is a pop-punk band with almost a Reel Big Fish feel, but without the band instruments.