On Friday, two local acts and one visiting band had the crowd at Soda Bar shaking to some fine fine music. First, San Diego’s Shapes of Future Frames unleashed their Bowie-inspired space oddities on the crowd. The trio is currently putting the finishing touches on its debut album, which should see release in the next few months.

Next, Santa Barbara’s fast-rising Gardens and Villa dazzled with their worldly, Local Natives-inspired rock. The synth-heavy set was a big hit with the audience, whose pleas for an encore were answered in the best way possible — with a rollicking cover of Gary Numan’s “Cars.”

Finally, local headliners Cuckoo Chaos took to the stage with their off-kilter rock. With the exception of the set-capping mainstay “Jam Song,” the five-piece stuck to their newer material. The freshly hatched songs are set for inclusion on the band’s full-length debut, Woman, out in July on Lefse Records.

Check out pictures of all three sets below. Continue reading…