by Matt Kelchner

On a hazy and humid Sunday night, Bethany Cosentino, Bobb Bruno and the rest of Best Coast stopped by Union Transfer as part of their current tour supporting the recently released California Nights. Along for the night were tour mates Bully, who have their debut album, Feels Like, coming out later this month. In front of a way sold out and slightly rain soaked crowd, the two teamed up to give the fans a jolt in their end to the weekend.

Unlike the Phillies this year, Nashville four piece Bully came out swinging for the fences as they warmed up the stage at Union Transfer. Led by singer/guitarist Alicia Bognanno, the group ripped through an impressive set that showed off quick hitting, heavily grunge influenced sound. It also didn’t hurt that she was wearing a Strand of Oaks shirt either.

It can be easy to get lost in the sea of new bands to wear their 90s influences on their sleeve, but Bully proved Sunday night that they are a point that stands out. Loud, distorted guitars and Bognanno’s mighty voice stand out as each song buzzes by. Missed out on this amazing opener? Don’t worry, Bully have already announced their very own headlining show later on September 30th at Boot and Saddle.

Best Coast’s summery, beachy pop laden tunes help catapult them to the tops of the indie music circles in the early 2010s. With the release of 2013’s Fade Away EP, they started to take a turn sonically. Self-cited Influences such as Mazzy Star and My Bloody Valentine helped to establish this newer, buffed up sound that is at the forefront on California Nights.

Sunday night, Best Coast filled their night with songs old and new as they mixed almost every new song with treats for the older fans. Between all of the splits, singles, EPs and albums that Best Coast have accumulated over the years, they took fans on a tour through their discography. Songs like “Crazy For You” and “Dreaming My Life Away” sounded better than ever.

The newer tone on the tunes off California Nights shined through on stage. And despite the album only being about a month old, it was clear the fans felt the same way. Highlights from the group of new cuts included the singles “Feeling Okay” and “Heaven Sent” as well as set closer “When Will I Change” (which got a very impressively loud rock n roll ending). After a short break, Best Coast came back out for two final songs, a cover of Oasis’ “The Hindu Times”, which was dedicated to a handful of friends in the crowd. The night ended with the song that everyone had literally been screaming for the entire night, “Boyfriend”.

About half way through the concert, Cosentino mentioned that Metallica had sung the national anthem for the NBA Finals game that night and after the start of a sea of boos, she quickly responded, “Don’t boo Metallica in a room where Best Coast is playing”. It was the perfect, mid bite cherry for a great way to wrap up the weekend.