Jammin’ With Nostalgia: Inner Wave’s Orlando Show
In their first Orlando show in nearly five years, LA-based indie band Inner Wave came to the Social on May 3, uncertain of what to expect. Little did they know, the audience outpoured from the venue, with almost every available space containing a dancing, singing fan. Lead vocalist Pablo Sotelo admitted the band hadn’t known the reception they would get.
“We haven’t been here in a while, so I didn’t know who was gonna show up,” Sotelo said. “It was a packed house.”
The fans themselves, while being numerous, were also dedicated showgoers and provided one of the most device-free, present live shows we’ve seen. Sotelo is known for his direct audience interaction, and the crowd took every bit of energy the band gave and turned it into an unforgettable experience.
“It felt like we came to see a bunch of friends, really,” Sotelo said, “It felt like a hometown show a little bit.”
Sotelo also added that the venue felt a bit nostalgic, reminding him of their tours in 2017 and 2018. Nostalgia seems to be a common motif with Inner Wave, as their most recent album, See You When I Get Back, also feels very nostalgic for the band and fans alike.
The band opened under warm yellow lights with a sort of fog surrounding them, making it appear as if they were glowing. They played their song “Sweet,” and the sound matched the electrified energy from the crowd.
In their set, Inner Wave played “Far Away” straight into “American Spirits,” creating the effect of one long song. In the background, a cool purple and red lit up the stage, creating a relaxing effect. The effect took hold of the audience, who swayed together almost in sync as the songs played.
Much of the concert was a mix of warm, nostalgic, and cool, relaxing lighting. The crowd responded in tandem, as if they already knew what was next.
“[This crowd] was the best so far.” Said Jean Pierre Narvaez, bassist for the band.
See You When I Get Back was released in February with a tracklist of 13 songs. Their North American tour started two months later on April 23, and is set to end on May 31 in their hometown of LA. Fans shouldn’t be worried about the end of this tour, though. Inner Wave plans to keep on touring, but wants to make sure they have time to spend in their studio, The Swamp, as well.
“We have plans to go to Mexico, then plans to go to China, and then plans to go to Europe this year.” Sotelo said.
As far as studio time goes, the band wants to avoid a long hiatus.
“We also want to make time to get back in the studio so it’s not like a three-year gap between this album and the next one,” Sotelo said.
In September, Inner Wave is set to release a deluxe edition of their album with six additional songs. Along with their original album, Inner Wave released a movie with the same title. As of now, the movie can only be seen in physical screenings at select venues.
“It’s another motto of this album, wanting to do more things in person…” Sotelo said, “I think people are yearning for a communal experience.”
The band plans to show more screenings throughout the year, but is searching for mom and pop, independent theaters to show this movie.
As of now, Inner Wave hasn’t found one in Orlando, but they are open to suggestions.
With a hypnotic stage presence and entranced fans, this performance represents, as sound engineer Jose Cruz puts it, the “Inner Wave way.”
Strike Out,
Orlando
Written By: Hadley Balser & McKenna Fiorino
Edited By: Delaney Gunnell & Sarah Franquelo
Photography Courtesy: Charlotte Campana
