180xSummer Celebrates New Single 'Sober' with Electric Two-Set Performance at Whistle Stop

By Erin Lee

Photo By Ryan Rodriguez

180xSummer brought their all to Whistle Stop Public House in Boca Raton last night! 

Celebrating the release of their new single, "Sober," the boys played two sets of originals and covers. 

A mixed crowd of fans and regulars received the band excitedly.

Sitting at the bar enjoying my barbacoa tacos before the music started, the guy next to me struck up a conversation. 

Bar guy: "Are you staying for the band?"

Me: "Yeah, they're really good."

BG: nods in bassist's direction "That guy looks like he came to play. He means business."

Me: "Yep. You should stick around."

Bar Guy was referring to longtime South Florida music scene staple Anthony Vilarino, a talented multi-instrumentalist who serves as this band's bassist, as well as providing some vocals. 

I found a cozy spot up front as the band launched into several emo and pop punk covers. 

Singer/guitarist Kyle Rodriguez is a skilled player himself, effortlessly jamming his way through the music while trading banter with Vilarino between songs.

180xSummer highlights their talents artfully, choosing songs to cover that match their respective vocal ranges, as well as crafting original material that draws the listener in with memorable hooks and catchy choruses.

Drummer James Sanchez is a force of nature behind the kit, providing a solid backbone for the band's sound and never missing a beat, some pun intended.

Introducing "Reputation (Tough Times)," one of their original songs, the crowd was primed to shout it back lyric for lyric, arm in arm.

Dancing, two-stepping, and swaying through back-to-back sets; 180xSummer kept the

crowd on their feet throughout the evening.

Photo By Ryan Rodriguez

Rodriguez and Vilarino's rich vocal harmonies took center stage throughout the evening. The duo have a fantastic chemistry reminiscent of Blink-182's Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge, both vocally and humor-wise.

Here at SFCN we love a good Easter egg, and last night I caught a fun one as the band transitioned from their single "Sober," (which makes references to driving) to a cover of Incubus' song "Drive."

As the evening progressed, the band really hit their stride. The enthusiasm was palpable and translated well from stage to crowd.

It was a wonderful celebration of the present, as well as things to come, as the band has an EP in the works for later this year.

Follow https://www.instagram.com/180xsummer/?hl=enfor upcoming shows.