No words are necessary when music speaks for itself. To say I was in awe would be an understatement after the Tycho show. Even as an avid country and pop music listener, I found it a musically unique and shocking experience to hear and see Tycho live in a cave. Above all, the experience was deeply satisfying.
Scott Hansen, known musically as Tycho and photographically as ISO5, is a San Francisco-based producer. Influenced by chillwave and ambient sounds, Tycho transports audiences into immersive worlds.
The night began with a disco ball at the center of the stage, setting the tone for an evening of vibrant, atmospheric sound. Brijean, a collaborative project between songwriter Brijean Murphy and producer Dougie Stu, opened the show with tracks from their summer album “Macro,” as well as selections from their previous works. Their song “Workin’ On It” resonated with me the most, as it explores the struggle with getting enough sleep while juggling a multitude of priorities — a result of “modern times [having] a hold on me.”
Aside from their honest take on reality or, as Murphy would coin, “existential dread,” the duo also played a multitude of instruments. Stu, who mainly played the bass, handled backing tracks and Murphy supported the melody with congo drums. This captured a feeling that was both universally human and refreshingly candid. Near the end of their set, the two collaborated on piano creating a moment of sweet, harmonious unity.
When Tycho took the stage, his interests in photography and graphic design shone through. He added a visual element to his musical performance and elevated an already great show. Each song had its own color and illustrative backdrop, creating an experience akin to synesthesia, where sight and sound merged seamlessly.
Tycho’s set was a journey through a variety of sounds. “Spectre,” one of the more pop-leaning tracks, resembled the upbeat energy of early The Chainsmokers music, while songs like “Consciousness Felt” and “A Walk” echoed the piano-driven melodies of Owl City, albeit with funkier basslines. Other tracks, such as “PBS” and “Phantom,” featured layered vocal samples that added texture and depth, further enhancing the dreamlike atmosphere.
Tycho’s latest album, “Infinite Health,” introduced a new direction in his sound, blending psychedelic elements with dance-pop undertones. The mellow piano notes and driving bass provided a laid-back yet uplifting feel, making the cave’s tight space feel like an open portal to a more expansive world.
Even in such a confined space, the audience was encouraged to move freely and fully immerse themselves in the experience. In a society dominated by the fast pace of politics and social media trends, Tycho’s live performance offered a rare escape — a sonic retreat into what he himself described as “Infinite Health.” The concert was a reminder of music’s power to transcend our daily lives and transport us to a place of peace and possibility.
