In the final weeks preceding the release of their first official full-length album, Isla Vista’s FMLYBND gave a sold-out crowd at SOhO a glimpse of what the future holds for the uplifting synth-rock outfit.

Opening band Givers & Takers played a set that was admirable — one that would leave the semi-grungy surf rockers exhausted and covered in sweat and the crowd buzzing before FMLYBND even hit the stage. Once they did, they appeared minus drummer Ethan Davis and kicked off their set with “Electricity,” the Internet chart-topper that has become the band’s calling card.

“I can’t believe they’re already playing this song,” remarked one concertgoer. “I know, right?” responded another.

FMLYBND would get through two of their most recognizable tracks within the first 15 minutes of their Saturday-night set, but bouts of celebratory dancing and audience sing-alongs would persist for the remainder of the evening, thanks to a crowd composed of the band’s friends, family, and (now, more than ever) hometown fans.

If this marks some kind of mild transformation for the group, then the timing couldn’t be better. The next few months will see FMLYBND not only unveil their biggest record to date but also perform at the X Games in Austin, Texas, as part of a lineup that includes the likes of Kanye West, The Flaming Lips, and Wavves.

It seems “Isla Vista’s FMLYBND” is now just FMLYBND. And everyone already knows that there are no vowels.

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