Trails & Ways and Layovr at SOhO

On Thursday September 24, We The Beat presented two killer bands at SOhO, Trails and Ways and Layovr.

The show kicked off with a rocking performance from Layovr, a local self-described “trop rock” quartet. Layovr started their set with a cover of MGMT’s “Electric Feel,” and the audience cheered for the conductive currents. The bass was thumping, the drums were tight, the keys and saxophone were expelling ambient waves of energy, the guitar danced brightly, and the vocals were as clear as day.

Layovr is known for their technical skills as musicians, and many of their songs are solely instrumental, like their single “Reach for the Sun,” which features intricate guitar work and a mix of smooth synth keyboards. The band had an eclectic take on how to play reggae music or their “trop rock” version of it, and sounded reminiscent of the Police as they keep a lively and spritely tone that revealed the intense mechanics of their music. Basically, Layover takes reggae, which is essentially simple genre to create music within, and then they dress it up in a Hugo Boss tux, Louboutin shoes, and a diamond studded Rolex — you have to have some major chops to afford threads like that.

Trails and Ways drew a large crowd in support of their indie beach­wave music. The blend of female and male vocals kept the audience’s attention in a firm grip, while their playful vibe had attendants dancing and possibly even falling in love with one another. The band laid a groove of heavy bass drum thumps and snare claps beneath sparkling high guitar riffs, keyboards, and harmonies, for a warm sound that anyone could get down to.

People clamored about each of the bands, and some of the die­hard Trails and Ways fans were overcome with joy about the performance. Layovr was also a huge hit with people that had not heard their music before. One fan had this to say: “I came for Trails and Ways — they are my favorite — but Layovr was great, I’m definitely going to come to their next show. Awesome band.” Well said.