On a balmy summer evening at the Saint Louis Music Park, Rainbow Kitten Surprise delivered an unforgettable performance on August 1, 2025, as part of their Thanks For Coming Tour. With Medium Build as the opening act, the night was a vibrant celebration of genre-defying music, raw energy, and heartfelt connection with a sold-out crowd of 4,400 fans.
Medium Build took the stage at 8:00 PM, setting the tone with their soulful, introspective indie-pop. The Alaskan-born artist, known for their emotive delivery, captivated the crowd with a tight set that blended heartfelt lyrics with infectious grooves. Songs like “Beach House” had the audience swaying, and their cover of “Where Is My Mind” (a nod to the Pixies) was a highlight, earning cheers for its raw energy. Medium Build’s performance was a perfect complement to RKS, warming up the crowd while showcasing their own unique charisma.
When Rainbow Kitten Surprise—fronted by Ela Melo (she/her; lead vocals), with Darrick “Bozzy” Keller (he/him; guitar, vocals), Ethan Goodpaster (he/him; lead guitar, vocals), and Jess Haney (he/him; drums)—hit the stage, the energy shifted into overdrive. From the opening chords of “Superstar” off Love Hate Music Box, the band’s genre-blending magic was on full display, weaving indie rock, folk, and electronic elements into a sound that felt both intimate and expansive.
The setlist was a masterful balance of new tracks and fan favorites. “It’s Called: Freefall,” their RIAA-certified Platinum hit, ignited the crowd, with Ela’s dynamic vocals soaring over the venue. The emotionally charged “Work Out” and “Cold Love” showcased the band’s ability to pivot from introspective to anthemic, while “Cocaine Jesus” had fans singing along with every word. The performance of “Heart” from their 2019 Mary (B-Sides) single was a tender moment, with the crowd swaying in unison.
Ela Melo’s stage presence was magnetic, her dance moves and crowd interactions infusing the night with a playful yet passionate vibe. At one point, she hopped off the stage to sing among the fans in the pit, creating a moment of pure connection that felt like the band was sharing the spotlight with their audience. The band’s chemistry was palpable—Bozzy’s guitar riffs and Ethan’s intricate leads complemented Jess’s driving rhythms, creating a sound that felt both polished and raw.
The light show, described by some fans as reminiscent of “the rings of Saturn,” added a cosmic flair to the performance, enhancing tracks like “Our Song” with pulsating visuals. The band’s storytelling also shone through, with Ela sharing funny and heartfelt anecdotes between songs, making the massive crowd feel like a gathering of friends.
The crowd’s energy was electric, matching the band’s intensity. Fans in the pit danced wildly, while those on the lawn waved glow sticks and sang along to every lyric. Social media posts from attendees echoed the sentiment that this was one of the best concerts they’d ever seen, with one fan calling it “a spiritual experience” and another praising the band’s “unpredictable, genre-less magic.” The band’s reputation for show-stopping performances, built from sold-out shows at venues like Red Rocks and Radio City Music Hall, was evident in their ability to command the stage and keep the audience enthralled for the entire set.
A standout moment came during “Lady Lie,” where the band slowed things down, letting Ela’s vocals take center stage against a backdrop of soft guitar and shimmering lights. The crowd’s hushed reverence during this moment spoke to RKS’s ability to balance high-energy anthems with poignant, introspective ballads.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s St. Louis performance was a testament to their evolution from Boone, North Carolina’s indie darlings to a global phenomenon with over 2 billion streams. Their ability to blend lyrical poetry, hummable melodies, and instrumental eccentricity created a concert experience that was both deeply personal and universally electrifying. For fans, it was a night of pure joy, connection, and music that transcended genres.
If you missed this show, don’t worry—RKS’s Thanks For Coming Tour continues through 2025 and 2026, with stops across the U.S. and beyond. Grab tickets via Ticketmaster or AXS, but act fast—they’re known to sell out quickly. For those who were there, this concert was a reminder of why Rainbow Kitten Surprise remains a must-see live act.
