Radiator Hospital crush an outdoor set at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Continuing Spruce Street Harbor Park’s Waterfront Sessions for July, Radiator Hospital played an on-point set that garnered attention from the audience as well as passersby, illuminated by a Philly sunset and the park’s neon lights. The four-piece Philadelphia band played through most of their most recent album, Play The Songs You Like, as well as some of their best live songs. The set was relatively brief, but encompassed a decent sample of their discography, entrapping the crowd and potentially earning themselves a few new fans from the pedestrian public.

Opening with a DJ set from The Key’s Yoni Kroll, the night began with a selection of hip hop and punk rock, electrifying the waterside park with heavy beats and smooth transitions.

Radiator Hospital took the amphitheater stage next, and began belting out their punk-rock songs, beginning with some favorites from Play The Songs You Like, like “Dance Number,” “Old Refrain,” and the semi-title-track “The songs You Like”. Later in the set, they found time for older hits like “Cut Your Bangs” and “Our Song”. Frontman Sam Cook-Parrott handed off the mic to lead guitarist Cynthia Schemmer for the song “Half Empty,” a catchy and supportive anthem with a killer intro. Twice one could see double-decker buses pass by on the street with passengers turning to watch the band play, and families on the sidewalk stopping to listen as well. They closed out the set with a little light still on the horizon, after making sure to compliment the colorful sunset and the idyllic venue.

The Waterfront Sessions will be continuing through August at Spruce Street Harbor Park, for free and featuring local artists. More info can be found here.

Radiator Hospital | photo by Sam Kesler for WXPN

Radiator Hospital | photo by Sam Kesler for WXPN