Opening for MGMT at the Fillmore were New York psych-poppers Kuroma. Led by sugar-voiced Hank Sullivant (former Whigs, MGMT), the four-piece ripped through a tight set of catchy, hook-laden rock.
With Hank's history with MGMT, it's not hard to spot the similar influences and psych-pop aesthetic. However with Kuroma, it's a more straight-forward approach without the extra fluff or longer jam songs.
On stage, Sullivant is flanked by Simon O’Connor on lead guitar, James Richardson on bass and Will Berman on drums. O'Connor was the most colorful in terms of wardrobe as well as tasty guitar licks.
The web-presence of Kuroma is relatively obscure, which according to Sullivant was by design. However, it is frustrating to see a band that is so talented and then so hard to find on the interwebs. I was also disappointed that there were no Kuroma records available at the merch booth.
Lack of web notoriety aside, the stage craft of Kuroma is honest and undeniable. The innovative pop-hooks and killer guitar work sets the band apart from the slew of synth-dependent bands on the road right now. The songs are layered, but would stand alone in a sing-songwriter vibe as well.
Will Berman is the new-comer to the group, on full-display at the front of the stage.
