Whenever I hear a reggae song, it takes me right back to high school – those long, languid summers spent staying out late with friends and feeling invincible while blasting Sublime songs in the parking lot. I have to admit, it’s been a while since I’ve pulled up Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution or Iration on my Spotify. My preferred genre these days tends to lean more towards alternative/indie rock (or Broadway musicals on the other side of the spectrum). But when Esteban Obregon, drummer for Something Like Seduction, reached out to me on Instagram and asked me to check out their new EP, “Colors,” I was curious. I put on my headphones and was almost immediately transported right back to that summer of 2008.

Something Like Seduction (better known as SLS to fans) is comprised of three talented friends: Esteban Obregon (drums), Tyler Cunningham (bass) and Connor Shea (vocals and guitar). The band was formed in 2011 with roots in Tucson, Arizona and their sound is an enticing blend of reggae, rock and alternative music. They’re no strangers to the scene either, having shared a stage with bands such as Rebelution, Pepper, Atmosphere, Dirty Heads, Iration, Tribal Seeds, Passafire and Fortunate Youth, among others.

Now, on to the good stuff. Their EP opens with the song “Colors,” which features silky smooth harmonies and playful percussion (love the rattle of the vibrasnap). I’m getting total island vibes with this one and I’m already picturing myself sipping a Corona and taking a little snooze on the white sand beaches of Kauai (which will soon become reality when Adam and I make our trip there this November, by the way!). While there are moments that show SLS’s A+ sense of humor peeking through (“I paid all my bills but the collection’s still calling me up/They won’t give it up/They can’t tell that I’m a very specific sort of bum”), there are also moments of vulnerability (“I practice daily just to sound more like myself…I’m letting fear go”). It’s a song that just about anyone can relate to, which is what makes it so good.

Then there’s “1000 Butterflies” which starts off with some gorgeous guitar riffs. And then about halfway through the track, you get this interesting transition at 1:37 where the vocals drop down to a hushed whisper and you almost feel compelled to lean in and listen closer.

The last track on the EP is “Thank You,” which may initially sound like a sweet, simple, uncomplicated song. However, don’t be misled by the “keep-the-beers-flowing” vibes of the instrumentals on this track. If you listen closely to the lyrics, you’ll notice an underlying message that is slightly heavier than the sound of Connor’s sweet, sweet crooning. “Thank you to all the things I’ve lost, like my way” and “Thank you for the women that reject me” are little pockets of wisdom that the boys have gained over the years.

SLS’s approach reminds me of Jack Antanoff’s signature treatment. His pop band, Bleachers, pumps out bright, upbeat music juxtaposed against heavier, oftentimes more poignant, lyrics. What I take away most from SLS’s aptly-named song is their sense of gratitude for the occasional bump in the road. In other words, thank you for hardships because it helps me appreciate the sunsets. It’s a simple concept, yet powerful. SLS took a risk here by unsheathing a few more emotional layers, but it’s paid off. Getting personal humanizes them and elevates the overall production. Well done, boys.

“Colors” is now available on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, so be sure to give it a listen while you’re savoring the last days of summer.

SLS is on the move (literally) and currently touring North America. You can keep up with their adventures on social media where you will most likely see them sharing sneak peeks of their new songs, covering the Rolling Stones and Bob Marley, chugging beers, looking contemplative on the beach or hanging with their adorable pup, Luna, who is a queen and has also made the tour van her home for the next few months.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/slseduction

Instagram: www.instagram.com/slseduction

Luna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunasls/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/slseduction

YouTube: www.youtube.com/slseduction

Another year, another Outside Lands. This marks my seventh year going to what is – in my humble opinion – one of the best music festivals out there. What keeps me coming back? In a nutshell, it’s the friendship reunions, the diversity of delectable food options, the incredible amount of detail that goes into creating each “land” and, of course, the music. This year was no exception.

Here are some of my favorite moments of Outside Lands 2018.

Friday (Day 1)

Drinking our way through Beer Lands

There’s no better way to kick off Outside Lands weekend than good ‘ole Beer Lands. If you’re a craft beer afficianado, then this is your spot. From light and refreshing brews like 21st Amendment’s Hell or High Watermelon to hoppy IPAs like San Franpsycho from Anchor Brewery, Beer Lands has you covered. I enjoyed a glass of Altamont’s Maui Waui, and it was delicious!

Window shopping at West Coast Craft

This was West Coast Craft’s first appearance at Outside Lands, and I’m a big fan. I’ve been to this craft fair a couple times at its regular location in Fort Mason and love getting the opportunity to support local makers and artisans. Even though I didn’t buy anything that weekend, I enjoyed checking out all the different vendors, which sell everything from potted plants, to delicate jewelry, to handwoven leather mules.

Conquering the North Face climbing wall

We took a break from the music and the food trucks to scale the North Face climbing wall. My friends are avid climbers, so of course we had to see what it was all about. Happy to report that we made it to the top, no sweat!

Free popcorn and lattés at Chase Sapphire Lounge

The Chase Sapphire Lounge is only accessible to (surprise, surprise) Chase Sapphire Card members. Luckily, my friends are cool like that and my boyfriend and I got to be their plus ones. The lounge is like an exclusive club that gives out free gourmet popcorn, lattés complete with foam art and – if you go during happy hour – delicious cocktails. Pro tip: the lounge also has the nicest bathrooms in the festival, so if you aren’t down for porta potties, it’s worth a trip. And the view from the rooftop is also pretty incredible.

Catching an improv comedy show at the Barbary

In all my years of going to Outside Lands, I’d never been able to make it to The Barbary for a comedy show…until now. We saw a mostly funny (sometimes cringe-y) improv show featuring special guest Jodie Sweetin (aka Stephanie Tanner from “Full House”). They even managed to sneak in a “How rude!” reference.

Dancing to Odesza at sunset

I’ve probably seen Odesza at least three or four times now, but it was a whole new experience to see this duo’s set just as the sun was setting. Gorgeous!

Saturday (Day 2)

Photoshoot with Ranger Dave

Ranger Dave (and now Ranger Ruth) are Outside Lands’ official mascots. It’s basically a requirement to get a group shot with the giant Ranger Dave statue at the festival’s main entrance.

Dance Party with Big Gigantic

Big Gigantic KILLED it and delivered one of my favorite sets of the weekend. This instrumental electronic, hip-hop, and jazz musical duo had everyone up and dancing within about 10 seconds of their first song. As luck would have it, our group decided to wear Hawaiian shirts this day, which absolutely fit the fun summer vibes of this set.

Scarfing down a Poke Bowl with Bon Iver

Ok, so we didn’t really dine with Bon Iver, but he did serenade us from the stage while I thoroughly enjoyed my poke bowl from Pacific Catch.

Sunday (Day 3)

Hanging by the Windmills

The windmills are an iconic feature of Outside Lands and the perfect spot to snap a quick photo of you and the rest of your crew. It gets really busy, so I recommend you swing by early in the day if you want to get a shot sans drunken crowds. I didn’t take my own advice on Friday, hence the chaotic picture above. And because you can never have too many windmill photos, we went again when it was slightly less crowded on Sunday morning.

Getting tipsy at Winelands

We hit up happy hour at Winelands and indulged in some Pinot Noir from Francis Ford Coppola Winery. And then went back for seconds…and thirds.

Getting cheesy in front of the art murals

And finally, we wrapped up the weekend with a group photo in front of our favorite art mural. This photo essentially sums up the whole Outside Lands weekend: friendship, big smiles and coordinated outfits. I’m already counting down till next year!