The House Cafe hosted a night filled with indie rock, piano-fueled-pop and even accordions Wednesday.

The opening act was former DeKalb native Dylan Kloska who took the stage with an acoustic guitar and did his best Chris Carrabba impersonation. The sharply dressed, one-man band sang songs about love and California. However, he seemed to play the same song 5 times throughout his 15 minute set.

With lyrics like “you could be the girl I long to be close to” and “everybody dreams of California, we all live there in our mind,” Kloska’s music may have been better suited in a montage on “The OC” rather than an indie rock night at The House.

But to give credit where credit is due, the acoustic singer did play a song entitled “The Big Time,” which chronicled his time living in DeKalb. The song was an homage to life at college and it was the high point to an extremely dull set.

Next up was Kid, You’ll Move Mountains. The quintet’s set was easily the most electrifying of the night as it drew on the crowd’s energy and participation with each and every song. The lead singer’s humorous banter in between songs provided a more personable feel to the show.

At one point, the singer flipped his microphone stand completely upside down and began to viciously wail out a song. Hand clapping ensued as the audience all sat down on the floor, along with the lead singer, and jumped up in a fit of dance rage when the fierce instrumental hit.

The set was filled with unbelievable musicians and constant music breakdowns. Songs like “Make It Sing” and “Inside Voice” connected well with the audience.

Up third was Champaign’s own Headlights. They played such an amazing set, it may have unintentionally caused everyone in the The House to start swaying and rocking.

Singer and electric pianist Erin Fein was flawless as she sang soft, sweet and equally heart-pounding vocals, song after song. Her singing was so pure and innocent, it provided for a perfect counter-part to the fat bass lines and harmonic interludes.

Brushing her hair out of her face after one song she said “We love playing at The House,” which led the crowd to erupt with cheers.

Headlights’ set evolved with each song. Through simple lyrics and harmonies of “oohs” and “aahhs,” there was a connection with the audience on an emotional level.

Their 45-minute set was something of pure awe and amazement.

Closing out the show was the DeKalb/Chicago natives, Light Pollution. Throughout the set it felt like there was just too much going on. Not in the same realm as The Polyphonic Spree with countless, unnecessary members, but just too much to focus on.

With band members playing multiple instruments on different songs, I began to question; why are sleigh bells needed?

The quintet was off-the-wall at times with random trumpet and piano solos. One positive implementation of these instruments was a beautiful and haunting addition of strings.

At one point the lead singer said “I’m not good at talking between songs.” Although his lead vocals can be debated as innovative or bland, his awkward stage presence took away from an already clustered set.

However, when things were easy, simple and not complicated to look at, Light Pollution was at its best. Light Pollution will return to DeKalb Oct. 11 at Otto’s, 188 E. Lincoln Highway.

The overall show was a tremendous success and a reward for those in attendance. Kid, You’ll Move Mountains and Headlights were the pinnacle high points of a show that ultimately re-opened my eyes to the indie rock scene.

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