Concert Review: Sun Room Live at SOMA San Diego – Returning to Their Roots
Returning to the birthplace of "Sunset Garage," a song inspired by a mechanic shop in Ocean Beach, Sunroom performed at SOMA San Diego on March 13. Known for hosting rising indie rock stars, the venue set the stage for a night full of energy and nostalgia. The band's journey, from their formation in Long Beach and their first house show in Ocean Beach four years ago to performing globally, was evident in their performance.
They kicked off the set with "Just Listening" at 9 p.m., immediately drawing the crowd into their surf-rock vibe. Lead singer Luke Asgian addressed the crowd with a smile, saying, “Been awhile since we’ve been back, we love you guys,” as the audience cheered in response.
The set mixed fan favorites like “Something That You’re Missing” and “Crashed My Bike,” which gained attention through Outer Banks. These tracks had the crowd singing along and moving to the beat, but as Sunroom explored rockier, experimental sounds, the reaction became more divided. Younger fans seemed more engaged with the familiar hits, while the band pushed boundaries with heavier material. “Record labels hate when we play this kind of music, but we love it,” Luke said, embracing the sound.
Throughout the set, the band’s chemistry was clear. Luke’s confident stage presence and dimpled smile were complemented by Ashton Minnich (guitar), Max Pinamonti (bass), and Thomas Rhodes (drums). Their camaraderie was evident, from matching star straps on their instruments to knowing glances exchanged between songs.
Before performing “Something That You’re Missing,” Luke pointed out that Max’s ex-girlfriend was in the audience, adding a lighthearted touch to the show. This playful moment balanced out the more introspective parts of the night, like their cover of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You.” Luke joked, “I’ve never seen a crowd mosh to a Mazzy Star song before,” capturing the unpredictable energy of the crowd.
The audience was mostly young, with fans sporting grunge-inspired outfits—flannel, beanies, and white, flowy skirts. Among them were some newcomers who had only recently discovered Sunroom. One 17-year-old fan shared, “We’ve only been listening to them for a few weeks, but we’re hooked.”
The night peaked with “Sol de Sur,” their most popular track, with over 25 million streams. After that, they introduced an unreleased song, “Jackknife,” a rhythmic track with lots of backup vocals, which the crowd responded to somewhat lukewarmly.
Opening for Sunroom was Mexican Sun Rats, a band known for its raw rock sound. The group, consisting of two guitars, a bass, and a saxophone, hit the stage at 7:58 p.m., and the crowd quickly got into the vibe. Their screamo-style singer added to the intensity, as a chicken fight broke out in the crowd.
Ashley, one of the audience members, shared her excitement, saying, “We have two favorite songs, 'Sunset Garage' and 'Sol de Sur.' We were just saying it feels like summertime music, so let’s start the season early.” Kate echoed her sentiment: “Very nostalgic, makes us feel young.” Dublin, another fan, said of "Sunset Garage," “It’s a mix between you can mosh, but also it’s kinda sentimental. It’s cute.”
As Sunroom wrapped up, it was clear that while they continue to evolve musically, they have stayed true to the essence of what made them special. The show at SOMA was a reminder of their roots and a glimpse of what’s next in their journey.
Written By Erin Seitzler
Photography By Julissa Martinez
