By: Efrain Cuessy
Nearing the end of a 32 show North American tour, Ocean Alley brought their Australian reggae fusion to the infamous Kilby Court. I was never that into reggae music until I heard of Ocean Alley. Bringing in sweet, relaxing vibes from the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia, Ocean Alley sold out Kilby Court and delivered one of the coolest shows I have ever experienced. From hits such as “Confidence” and “Yellow Mellow”, lead singer Baden Donegal lead the crowd on a journey that had every person feeling positive energy. My journey started off with going to a venue like none other: the one and only, Kilby Court.
Kilby Court is one of those iconic venues in Downtown Salt Lake City. Hosting bands before they were famous, Kilby Court has a history of hosting some iconic names that have made their mark in the music industry. It may seem like a little shack with a garden area, probably because that is exactly what it is. Kilby Court has a place in many hearts as it’s sometimes the place many go to for their first concert and catch a glimpse of the uprising talents in the world. Ocean Alley is one of those bands that I just know is going to make it big. I can see Ocean Alley Putting out hit after hit as the reggae community continues to grow.
Opening for Ocean Alley was The Morning Yells, a new Los Angeles-based rock band. They were getting down to the bone on the guitar as they ripped up some of their songs such as “Must Be You” and “She Got Time”. The venue began filling up as The Morning Yells continued playing until Kilby Court had reached its maximum capacity. At first, The Morning Yells seemed like any other band, but man oh man did they kill it on stage! They put such a groove into the body of the audience and had everyone from the front to the back of the room dancing! I even had to stop taking pictures and dance a little bit! The energy was too strong!
The Morning Yells finished up their set and left everyone wanting more music. It was finally time for the boys straight from Australia to take the center stage. Ocean Alley put everyone in such a happy mood. I never really listened to any of their songs, but by the end of the night, I became a big fan! Their music draws in the attention of everyone in the room. Jam after jam, the whole crowd was into the music. There was such a cool vibe in the air and it left people wanting more. Baden Donegal’s raspy yet soothing voice filled the room and honestly, I have ever heard a voice like it.
Ocean Alley is a band that put out music for everyone. You can be anywhere from 12 to 100 years old, and Ocean Alley will get you to become a fan! After this concert, I downloaded 2 of their albums to my phone and now have it on a constant repeat! The vibe, the venue, the bands: it was all so perfect! I want to relive the night so much! A big ups to Ocean Alley! If you can catch them live, do it! Literally, cancel everything and do it! I can’t wait to see them again soon!