On October 16, Taiwanese indie rock band Sunset Rollercoaster brought a night of laid-back live music to The Novo in LA as part of their Q COMES Q GOES tour.
The night opened with CLOUDRIVER, whose soft vocals and stripped-back stage presence drew cheers from the crowd. Songs like “Sunny Afternoon” and “Babysitter” quickly won over the audience, setting the tone for the night. At 9 p.m., Sunset Rollercoaster took the stage with “Wind of Tomorrow,” easing into the set with a slow, mellow sound. “Teahouse,” “Vanilla,” and “Villa” continued the relaxed mood before “Burgundy Red” picked up the pace with heavier synths. Haoting Huang, who started the night on guitar, switched between instruments as the set progressed, playing the keyboard, saxophone, and even clarinet. The ‘70s and ‘80s-inspired synth-pop sound carried on through “Mistakes” and “Believe U.”
After a brief introduction by frontman Kuo-Hung Tseng, the band let their music speak for itself. While Tseng’s smooth vocals added to the relaxed atmosphere, the instrumental solos gave each band member a chance to shine. The crowd swayed and nodded along to the seamless blend of vocals and instrumentals. The band also revisited fan favorites “Slow,” “Greedy,” and “Humor Tumor,” bringing back some of their classics alongside newer material.
One of the most anticipated and memorable performances of the night was “Young Man.” As the band sang about uncertainty, growing pains, and the struggle to hold on to one’s youthful outlook on life, the lyrics took on a poignant quality. Some listeners hummed along, while others stood quietly during the performance. It offered a moment to reflect on the anxieties of growing up.
After a hectic work week, Sunset Rollercoaster’s show was the perfect way to slow down and unwind on a Friday evening. The music was easy to listen to, the audience saved their cheers for between songs to allow for full focus on the performances, and there were hardly any phones in sight, allowing everyone to settle into the music.
Sunset Rollercoaster’s performances show how a quieter, music-focused show could leave a lasting impression. Rather than leaving the crowd buzzing with adrenaline, the band offered concertgoers a space to decompress, reconnect with music, and simply be present in the moment.
