The Helios tour featuring Oh Honey, Barcelona, and last but certainly not least The Fray, made its way through Kansas City on Friday, June 27. Hosting the event was Starlight Theatre, and it is safe to say that the venue lived up to its name during the event. The temperature and setting were perfect for an outdoor concert, and so was the music.

Starting off the concert was Oh Honey, an indie rock band from Brooklyn. Similar to the likes of Vampire Weekend, they were a peppy, if not mellow start to the night. The band may not have been the most original, but having a male and female vocalist seemed to set them apart.

Barcelona, a three piece hailing from Seattle, was the second opening act. After making several comments about tornados, the band finally started playing. The band in general was a bit mellow but definitely had their own unique sound. Utilizing impressive vocal ranges, interesting effects and synthesizers Barcelona entranced the crowd and readied them for the headliner.

Finally, after around two hours of waiting, the crowd was restless and ready for the headliner. With four studio albums available, The Fray had plenty of material to work with and used it to their advantage. The Fray started their set with “Closer to Me,” and they didn’t lower the intensity until playing “Over my Head (Cable Car),” one of the songs from their first album that was key to their long-term success.

Instead of sticking to familiar piano riffs, The Fray decided to use more sound effects, electric guitars and synthesizers giving some of their songs an entirely different feel. The show was filled with crowd interaction and short anecdotes in between songs from Isaac Slade, the lead singer and pianist, which contained a surprising amount of wisdom.

Towards the end of the show, The Fray played their signature How to Save a Life, sending the crowd into hysterics. Overall the venue showcased Slade’s unique vocal style, and if nothing else, revealed how talented and seasoned musicians can put on a show.