Wisp is an alternative rock band fronted by lead singer Natalie Lu. (Tej Tripathy / Daily Nexus)
The volume of shoegaze-infused guitars and misty vocals permeated UC Santa Barbara’s University Center Hub as alternative rock artist Wisp put on an ethereal performance of atmospheric tracks for the student crowd on Nov. 13. With the recent conclusion of her “If Not Winter” tour, the band, fronted by Natalie Lu, brought a unique alternative sound to campus in the midst of the evening’s rain showers.
The night gave way to a queue of anticipating spectators, extending from the east side of the UCen to the Art Museum. The Hub welcomed a variety of expressions: crowds of students dressed in styles ranging from rugged leather jackets to layered silver jewelry and digital camera accessories. Among the eager audience were people with Wisp merchandise, with some even cosplaying the Wisp look themselves.
An hour before the show drew a buzz of chatter and anticipation, with the crowd drenched in light rain, blue stage lights and digital camera flashes illuminating the area. Alternative classics like “Youngest Daughter” by Superheaven and “Mayonaise” by the Smashing Pumpkins set the tone for a hazy night.
Many students expressed excitement about the fact that Wisp was playing on campus — first-year sociology major Mahlia Gonzales explained that she’s “been wanting to look for a concert that’s more alternative” as opposed to the more popular rappers featured at other Associated Students Program Board (ASPB) events recently. First-year communication major Sophia Bylin added that they were “really excited because it’s on campus and really accessible.”
When asked about ASPB’s decision to bring Wisp to UCSB, first-year music major Lewis Ma exclaimed, “Oh, it’s awesome! We need more picks like this — more of those internet-popular artists.”
Wisp’s first single “Your Face” went viral on TikTok, and once she released her hit extended play (EP) “Pandora,” she solidified her place online as a music artist.
As the clock struck nine, white flickering lights set a glowing scene and a whimsical piano sound blended into blurry percussion and spirited cheers as Wisp stepped onto the stage. She opened with her song “Pandora” off of the EP with the same name, her airy voice contrasting with the all-consuming guitar and a bass sound akin to a second throbbing heartbeat.
Bylin compared the voice of Wisp to a siren while their friend, first-year economics major Lisa Grothe, said, “I like the heavier instrumentals with the very airy, ethereal vocals.”
Another track off of the EP, “Mimi,” was accompanied by a sea of phone flashlights swaying back and forth. The song itself had a somber feel with a crunchier, distorted guitar tone following the chorus. Wisp delivered melancholic fan favorites to humming heads nodding along.
Halfway through the set, Wisp mused to the audience, “Don’t be afraid to move around, guys! You guys are still in college … you can move and have fun.” And once “I remember how your hands felt on mine” came on, Wisp requested for the crowd to jump on the chorus.
Of course, they indulged her.
Within minutes, the venue transformed. The audience took their permission to be as rambunctious as possible and ran with it. The soul of the mob mirrored the impassioned instrumentals — people soaked in the heat of the area and swaying shoves amongst the room.
Wisp showed up with a lively presence, engaging with the crowd between almost every song. Lu dedicated her anticipated cover of Coldplay’s “Yellow” to an audience member who claimed it was his birthday, and dedicated her very last song of the night to his alleged birthday twin.
Spirits were high as Wisp ended her set with “Your face,” her most popular song of the night. Many could be heard shouting her lyrics at the top of their lungs as the center of the crowd separated to form a wavering mosh pit.
Wisp’s interactions invigorated the crowd all throughout the night — what began as a calm concert with gentle head-bobbing ended with fierce moshing, jumping, and roaring along to the distorted sound ambience.
The UCSB student crowd shine their flashlights to accompany Wisp during the concert. (Tej Tripathy / Daily Nexus)
Closing off the event, students poured back into the crisp damp night, ecstatic about being witnesses to Wisp’s very first college show, something they remarked enthusiastically.
“She came here because she wanted to share her music with college students, and she’s around our age, too,” remarked first-year film and media major Aaliah Flores.
For some, it was a neat ongoing introduction to a rising artist. First-year physical geography major Seneca Ikemire said, “I kind of had heard of her before, so I thought it was pretty cool that she came.”
The night was praised for being an energetic break from midterms in exchange for some hypnotizing instrumentals. Swarmed with newcomers, ASPB’s booking of alternative rock act Wisp earned the approval of the night as a transformative musical venue — another addition to UCSB’s ongoing fiery streak of magnetic shows drawing in curious attendees.
