It’s a special kind of joy when a band you’ve loved for nearly a decade steps onto the stage and delivers a show that not only lives up to your memory—but exceeds it. That was exactly the case when Sunflower Bean played Mississippi Studios in Portland on June 9, with support from the dreamy Brooklyn psych-rock band GIFT.
I first fell in love with Sunflower Bean in 2016 after stumbling across their debut album Human Ceremony, a record that blended soft psychedelia with garage rock and dream pop in a way that felt entirely fresh. Since then, the New York City trio—Julia Cumming, Nick Kivlen, and Olive Faber—have only evolved. Now touring in support of their newest release, the band brought a captivating energy to the Portland stage, delivering fan favorites with confidence and sharing new material that proves they’re still pushing their sound forward.
Julia Cumming remains an electric frontperson—her vocals sharp and dreamy, her presence magnetic. The chemistry between the bandmates is unmistakable, honed by years of performing together, and their set had the audience swaying one moment and headbanging the next. From shimmering melodies to fuzzy guitar riffs, their live show is a beautiful balance of nostalgia and innovation.
Opening the night was GIFT, and let me tell you—aptly named. This Brooklyn-based five-piece makes lush, hypnotic psych-pop that immediately pulls you in. Their set was full of reverb-drenched guitars, moody synths, and a rhythm section that never let up. I went in familiar since I closely follow their record label, Greenway Records, and left an even bigger fan.
Whether you’ve been with Sunflower Bean since their early days or are just discovering them now, do yourself a favor and catch them live. And don’t sleep on GIFT—your eardrums will thank you.
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