Superchunk

with Ladybug Transistor

Sapphire Supper Club, Orlando • 2.9.98

David A Clark

“We’re growing older, not growing up,” claims guitarist Jim Wilbur. The truth of his words rang clear this night as Superchunk visited Orlando. The band’s music, showing a maturity not heard in past years, is still innovative and powerful. The crowd, obviously generously salted with rabid fans, was into the music the moment the band took the stage. Many people sang along with the songs, which nicely represented the massive catalog the band has assembled over the nine years of its existence.

The band is currently on tour to promote their latest album, Indoor Living. They played for nearly an hour, plus a fifteen minute encore. Bassist Laura Ballance, in particular, was truly phenomenal. She bounced around the stage like a kid, exhibiting so much energy she made me tired just watching her.

The show was opened by Ladybug Transistor from New York City. They were certainly a pleasant surprise. As they played, I started getting flashbacks to the Summer of Love. Their sound is sort of a cross between the Partridge Family and Spanky and Our Gang. Trippy keyboards and a mellow flute added to the hippie ambiance. The band members frequently swapped off on the various instruments, giving the show a theater quality. In short, they were great. ◼