Smallpools @ Purdue University (IN)

Machineheart with Smallpools @ Purdue University, Indiana (4/14)

Photos and words by Kelly Fox

Machineheart

Smallpools

College shows are amazing for several reasons. The crowd is especially energetic, there’s no exclusivity, and they’re usually really, really cheap. LA based Smallpools and their opener machineheart hit the campus of Purdue University for a free show last Friday night, and they hit it HARD.
Slater Hill was just about the perfect venue for the show. Officials estimated around 2,500 in attendance, and having a lawn big enough to hold all of them proved hugely important. Those who wanted to dance clustered around the stage, but there was a decent population that stayed on blankets. The architecture was beautiful, especially when the sun hit the stained glass windows. In general, it was very conducive of a good time, despite all the lights turning off for a song or two.
machineheart, who toured with Smallpools on their last headlining tour, set the stage in front of the setting sun, getting the dance party started early. In addition to being massively talented, lead singer Stevie just radiates cool, fully reveling in the experience (she’s also gorgeous, which I’m sure helped.) It’s refreshing to see artists embrace their artistry as much as machineheart does, and it’s made possible by the wide appeal of their sound. Don’t be surprised if you see these guys headlining soon—they’re more than ready.
Smallpools has been in what they refer to as “hibernation,” so we assume they’re working on new material and resting up. While they aren’t officially on tour, they’ve been making their way around the country playing college campuses. After taking a good amount of time off, we may have been worried the guys were a little rusty, but this was not the case. A Smallpools show is essentially guaranteed to be a good time. Although they only have one full-length album, nearly all of their tracks are made for partying, not to mention their… aesthetic appeal. Man buns for days, man. Having a free show at a college campus, however, proved to add a whole new level of energy. Younger crowds generally have more enthusiasm, and the one that Purdue hosted was no exception. The whole amphitheater was a huge party, with good vibes all around. 
The last time Smallpools hit Indianapolis, they played at the Deluxe, so seeing them on a bigger stage was a neat experience. One of the coolest aspects of a typical Smallpools show is the dynamic between the members. Lead vocalist Sean would likely be expected to overpower the rest of the group, but that’s distinctly not the case. Everyone on stage is having a great time, so no matter where you’re looking, you’ll see the same energy that went into their recordings. The set itself was slightly shorter than their normal headlining list, because they simply omitted the songs that wouldn’t whip the crowd into dancing. Notably included was a super fun mashup of Mo and Major Lazer’s “Lean on” with Bill Wither’s “Lean on Me.” Hopefully, that piece will make it to recordings soon, because it’s always a massive hit at live shows. Ending the show with widely-known “Dreaming” was an awesome choice, and left many with a lasting impression.
Smallpools’ largest audience, as expected, largely consists of teenage girls. Thankfully, like many others in their genre that appeal to that demographic, they put a huge emphasis on connecting with fans and giving them plenty of time to meet them. It’s great to see such great guys taking on bigger shows, and we can only hope they continue to rise… and release the new album they’ve been working on soon.