SAN FRANCISCO – The West Coast saw stunning energy come about on a Friday night at The Independent. In Color, a Nashville-based alt-pop act, stopped by San Francisco on September 25 for their Fall Tour 2026, bringing along Jack Gray to open the show.
Indie singer-songwriter Gray eased into the night with mellow tracks. The Australia-based artist played a mostly acoustic set of pop songs about relationships and the feeling of growing up too fast. Part of his set was Dumb Shit, a single from his recent album Swimming In Jeans, and it was a treat to hear live. Gray had exactly the kind of charisma needed to kick off the show.
In Color took the stage with Jet Lag Mouth followed by High, two infectious, energy-filled tracks that got the audience moving and singing back. Jet Lag Mouth has a standout riff that carries through the entire track. High, released two months ago, is already a fan favorite that features a bright riff and an amazing bass line that is hard to ignore. The short solo around the middle of the track also woke the crowd up with many cheers.
Later in their set, the band played their catchy tune, Time. The upbeat song was even better to hear the lyrics, “Over again, the sun is turning around / I won’t pretend that I don’t need you now / I’d fall in love with you forever / But we don’t have enough time / No, we don’t have enough time,” with a bright acoustic guitar on stage. The studio version sounds a bit more alternative, but the live performance takes on a warm, fuzzy sound that lit up the venue. The slight folk sound gives this track more depth, making it feel grand.
Between the tracks Indigo and Big Deal, singer Matt Hastings remarked that this was the band's first time playing in San Francisco. It was also their second biggest headlining show yet. The band, made up of Hastings, bassist Holden Clontz, synth and keys player Val Hoyt, and drummer Miles Laderman, carries themselves with humility. The crowd could feel how grateful In Color was for the people showing up to their events. It was also evident that they all wanted to be on stage performing for the crowd and with each other.
A highlight of the show was an acoustic version of I Want You later in their set. Hastings stepped offstage and into the crowd, unplugged with a guitar. Insisting he wanted to do "something special" for one of the largest shows they've played to date. While Hastings has done this before, the venue's energy made this interpretation feel especially meaningful for the entire room.
Their final two tracks, Lighter and Headlights, were also standouts. The crowd stayed with In Color as they ripped through these two contagiously melodious tracks. Headlights is their most well received song to date, with The Independent’s entire crowd singing at the top of their lungs.
In Color played so tight throughout their long set, with the audience savoring every moment. Hastings' live vocals were particularly striking—sounding the same, if not better, as the recorded version—and handled the vocal delivery of every track with ease.
While they are early in their career, In Color is with no doubt establishing themselves in bigger and better ways with each show. Playing shows feels far from a chore for the band, and hopefully it never does. It’s easy to see how excited they are by the music they are creating, the live performances, and the joy that comes with playing for fans who have gathered for them.
