MAGIC CITY HIPPIES AT CITIZENS HOUSE OF BLUES BOSTON

Feb 43 min read

On January 25, 2025, I was out with my camera to shoot pictures of Magic City Hippies at Citizens House of Blues Boston. I have heard a lot about this band that began performing in the streets of Miami. But it was the first time that I had the chance to see them playing live in front of an audience repeating every word coming from the lyrics of their new album "Enemies Out Now."

Formerly known as the Robby Hunter Band, Magic City Hippies specialize in a breezy blend of Hip Hop, funk pop, and beach-bun soul that has drawn comparisons to the likes of G Love & Special Sauce, Maroon 5, and Jack Johnson.

The opening band was Mustard Service. The indie rock band based in Miami, Florida, formed in 2015 is self-described as "zest pop", drawing influences from rock, surf, jazz, funk and bossa nova. The members are: Marco Rivero Ochoa, Augusto Di Catarina, Gabriel Marinuchi, Leo Cattani and Adams Perez.

Finding their inspirations from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mac DeMarco, and Mild High Club, Mustard Service's members with Latin Heritage frequently used elements from Latin music. The song "Pleasantries ( With Your Lover)", for example, uses a Latin-style groove. The band also performs songs with lyrics in Spanish, such as "Hijo de Papa", which appears on C'est La Vie (2020).

At Citizens Houses of Blues in Boston, the Mustard Service's music was lyrically phenomenal, enjoying an active crowd - dancing, jumping, and clapping along at the venue. The energy they exuded on stage was infectious. The audience was excited when they performed "The Dominoes," from their most recent album Variety Pack (2023).

Around 9:30 p.m. Magic City Hippies with a list of talented artists such as Pat Howard, Robby Hunter, John Coughlin hit the stage. During the two hours of live music show, the group played a series of songs released the next few years from several albums, including 2016's "Heart Wants" and 2018's "Franny," the latter of which appeared on their debut long-player, 2019's Modern Animal. A string of singles appeared in 2021, including "Queen" and "High Beams," ahead of the release of the band's sophomore effort, 2022's "Water Your Garden".

They played different songs from their recent album "Enemies." It was a really pleasant surprise for the audience when Robby Hunter, the lead singer, left the stage and commanded the floor with his presence. The room was enthusiastic and in high spirits, and the band was on fire.

It was an exceptional night of music. An outstanding show. The audience is likely to remember and talk about it for a long time. From the beginning to the end, looking at their performance, there is no doubt that Magic City Hippies is one of the best rock bands from the East Coast.

SETLIST

1. I Can't Let You Go

2. Enemies

3. BRNT

4. Lonely Bottle Interlude

5. Pony (Ginuwine Cover)

6. What We Wanna

7. Bull Ride

8. Indiana

9. Lonely People

10, Ghost on the Mend

11. Water Your Garden