A cluster of shimmering fabrics and wide-eyed student faces gathered in anticipation for the bands set to perform at WOZQ’s Fall Concert on Nov. 15. The crowd of roughly 350 people were in attendance, fashionably dressed to follow the Prom Night theme. Everyone welcomed the first band — Starcleaner Reunion from New York City — with explosive applause.
Starcleaner Reunion started out with loud and immersive chords, drawing the audience in. The set list included songs from their 2023 and 2024 discography, perfectly encapsulating the nostalgic charm of attending high school prom. The steady drum beat was met with collective sways and head nods across the room. The main vocalist, Jo Roman, sang with a light, relaxed and crystal clear tone. Her melodious serenade transported the audience to a dreamy and soothing soundscape. The catchy “la la la” refrain in “Snowfeel” had a cool blend in tandem with the guitars. Roman brought out a tambourine and around the room, people began to jump as the tempo transformed into an upbeat tune. Cymbals rang in the audience’s ears, with the lead singer expressing her gratitude with a smile, “So happy to be here with you tonight.”
The vibrant lighting in the room painted an otherworldly picture, glowing and futuristic. Watching a purple balloon being tossed around the crowd, the hypnotic spell of the band’s sound added to the simple beauty of the concert’s musical experience. In an interview with Flaunt Magazine, the band explained that their work aims to “pursue something that catches your ear and feels good.” With their expansive yet energetic soundtrack, their songs reinvigorated the audience from the hollow of their chests.
Photo by Gaby Adams ’26
Next up, the band Wishy from Indianapolis came out, playfully joking about missing the prom attire theme and skipping school sometimes. Wishy played an enthusiastic and harmonious duet that echoed in the space, acting as a hype anthem to dance to. At one point in the evening, one of the guitarists’ strings broke, but a band member from Starcleaner Reunion lent them their instrument. A member of Wishy responded with “Shoutout to Starcleaner Reunion!”
One of the lead singers complimented Smith College saying, “This campus and city is really beautiful.” Their performance was met with cheering and rock hand signs in the air, people looked like music video dancers as they flailed their arms or freely whipped their hair. The group played two brand new, unreleased songs with angsty lyrics like: “Pages of your mind, would you do that differently this time” and “Baby, you know you got me lovesick.” The music encouraged the audience to reminisce about rebellious adolescence. A few students in the front row enthusiastically complimented one of the lead singers — Nina Pitchkites — who returned her thanks with a “Love you” and heart hands.
The last song, with its heightened 90s rock influence and emotion, had me running back to my dorm in the pouring rain, my ears still ringing from the roaring speakers. I witnessed a whirlwind of electric music that night.
Photo by Gaby Adams ’26
