Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers • Remo Drive • So Much Light • August 8, 2024 • The Depot
Reviewed and Photographed by Kaden Severn
A line down the sidewalk outside of The Depot on a Thursday night can only mean one thing, another concert in town! Hobo Johnson and the Lovemakers stopped by Salt Lake City on the back half of their US tour. Shortly after doors opened artist So Much Light took the stage to warm up the venue as concertgoers filled into the Depot. With a modern-day funk sound, armed with only a guitar and a mixer board, So Much Light had everyone engaged bobbing their heads to his music. He had a smooth voice and the music he played made everyone want to dance. Seemed like a blend of indie-rock and dance music.
Remo Drive
After his set, Remo Drive was up next. The Emo-inspired band jammed out to some of their songs including “Yer Killin’ Me”, “I’m My Own Doctor”, and “Art School”. Not only did their music sound good but their performance was phenomenal. With high leg kicks, to constant movement on the stage, you could tell that they were really feeling the music. It was an awesome vibe to get everyone ready for Hobo Johnson to take the stage. After Remo Drive finished their set they were met with a loud applause. Shortly after the crowd began to chant “Frank, Frank, Frank, Frank(Hobo Johnson’s real name).
Hobo Johnson & The Love Makers
I was treated to my favorite Hobo Johnson song “Mover Awayer” as his opening song. I remember when I first discovered Hobo Johnson when he went viral about 6 years ago for “Peach Scone”. I was fascinated at how what first appeared as slam poetry also was a catchy and passionate song. I’ve been a fan ever since and it made me happy to see him now performing for sold-out venues. The unique style of the band’s music is unlike any other artist I’ve ever covered. After “Mover Awayer” finished, Hobo Johnson and the Lovemakers transitioned right into “Romeo and Juliet”. Frank skillfully navigated the soft parts of the song and then would explode on the emotional peaks of the song.
Next was the fan favorite “Subaru Crosstrek”. This song had the crowd jumping and partying around. This song is where Frank really bursts out of his shell and even was spraying water bottles all over the crowd. Throughout the set, Frank’s loveable awkward personality was on full display as he would share snippets about song origins and just funny things from the tour. He was always trying to interact with the crowd however he could. The middle part of the set included some of his more popular songs including “Sex and the City”, “Creve Coeur” and “Happiness”.
After Hobo Johnson and the Lovemakers performed the track “I Want A Dog”, the song that started it all “Peach Scone” was performed. It was a very passionate performance and everyone in the room would scream out the iconic line “Or maybe it’s the thought of not being so alone” in unison. It was a great moment. He then finished up the night with an encore performance of Typical Story. It was a great concert and it makes me happy to see artist who may not fit the mold of what type of music typically does well in our pop culture, striving and having such a passionate and excited fan base.
