Orange County got a taste of high-energy indie rock on Tuesday night, February 25 as Good Kid and Phoneboy took over The Observatory OC. The sold-out crowd packed the venue, buzzing with anticipation long before the first note rang out. By the end of the night, it was clear—this wasn’t just a concert; it was a full-fledged party with your friends who brought the music, movement, and connection.

Hailing from New Jersey, indie rock quartet Phoneboy opened the night with a performance that instantly won over the crowd. Their vibrant, feel-good energy was infectious, setting the perfect tone for the night. Kicking things off with Open Up, the band wasted no time getting bodies moving. Frontman Wyn Barnum’s vocals soared over shimmering guitars, while Ricky Dana, James Fusco, and Jordan Torres on keyboards provided a tight rhythmic backbone that had the audience hooked.

Fans erupted when Phoneboy launched into Runaway, one of their most popular tracks, its bouncy beat fueling the nonstop dancing in the pit. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, and their set felt like a house party where everyone was invited. Closing with Sweater Song, the quartet left the stage to a roaring ovation, proving they were much more than just an opening act.

After a short break—during which the crowd turned the venue into a balloon-filled frenzy, tossing inflatables in every direction—Toronto’s Good Kid took the stage to the roar of the audience cheers after they had all counted down with the computer loading up the band members. Their signature blend of indie rock and chiptune-infused energy had the audience locked in from the first chord of No Time to Explain. The band’s crisp, electrifying sound turned The Observatory into a pulsating wave of synchronized jumping and joyous shouting.

Good Kid leaned into their strengths, delivering an unstoppable string of fan-favorites like Slingshot and Alchemist. Vocalist Nick Frosst commanded the stage with boundless energy, his dynamic performance mirrored by guitarist Jacob Tsafatinos, who shredded through the intricate riffs with effortless cool. The crowd hit peak frenzy during No Time to Explain, a song that had the entire venue screaming along to every word.

By the time the night wrapped up with Mimi’s Delivery Service, the energy in the room was still at an all-time high. Fans left the venue buzzing, sweaty, and grinning ear to ear—proof that Good Kid and Phoneboy had delivered an unforgettable night of music. The Observatory OC may have hosted many great shows, but this one was special. From the first riff to the last balloon drop, it was a night that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Check out all the photos on our Flickr Page.
Mitsy Angel
07:38 pm, Feb 27, 2025Haha! This is great, my balloon shenanigans made it to an article!