On my way to see a local show at the Kaleidoscope, I didn’t think I’d have any trouble finding the place. If you’re going there for the first time, you’ll never find it by just having the address. But tucked away down a narrow, back alley, you’ll find the Kaleidoscope (or like me, someone will show it to you). Once I got to space, I did introductions with some of the other people there before the show began.

Don’t expect anything fancy when it comes to the venue. It’s more like a recording studio with couches, turntables, and beautifully painted murals adorned across the wall. The drum kit sat in front of a zen mural with amps, guitars, and other equipment surrounding the area. There were no more than 20-30 people there at any given time during the night.

If you’re a fan of shoegaze/dream-pop, the lineup featured some of Pennsylvania’s best. It was the “‘pre-release’ release show” for the 9th album from Panophonic (aka Tom Lugo).

Panophonic was truly what you call a “one-man band”; Lugo said his sounds are organic, meaning he played all the instruments on the record from the guitar to the drums and more. He mentioned that unfortunately, once he had an incident where he lost all his sounds and after getting an estimate that he would only get no more than 20 percent back.

Shortly into his set, he played the song “Yours To Keep” and dedicated it to his girlfriend. Many of his songs, he stated, came from some very dark times and dark places he’s been throughout his life, that his music is his autobiography. Take for instance the track “I Can’t Come Home”; a haunting electronic-punk-gaze track. The rest of his record is due out this week. Look for songs like “An Eye For An Eye” and “In The Nick of Time.”

Panophonic’s live show is performance art. The music, lighting, and emotion Lugo throws into his performances display how passionate he is about his craft. If you’re a fan of electronic, shoegaze, dream-punk, etc, you’re going to love Panophonic.

Two of Lancaster’s shoegaze/dream-pop bands, Pathos (Lititz, PA) and Vicious Blossom (Lancaster, PA), opened the three-band bill.

The show started shortly after 7:45 pm with Lititz-area dream-pop/ambient-pop band, Pathos, opening the bill. Pathos delivered a set of dream-pop decorated with airy vocals layered over dreamy guitars. The band closed out with a beautiful track that gradually crescendoed into a lively, yet mellow end. I’m looking forward to hearing what Pathos has in store for 2018.

If you’re into more punk-oriented shoegaze (or dream-punk), check out Lancaster’s Vicious Blossom. The arrangements created by musician Nate Zerbe and the other band members resulted in a beautiful EP, I’m Disappointed in You. Their crazy set paired with a little bit dream-pop and a little bit of punk results in a dream-punk act you don’t want to miss.

The Kaleidoscope is definitely an intimate place, and is also BYOB, for those of you wondering. It’s not going to bring in any huge bands, but you’ll definitely catch some good local talent. Look for more on Tom Lugo and his many music projects on his self-made music label Patetico Records.