Find your artist, see them live, personify the words and melodies that hold you through the night. I may be romanticizing some, but it is what you make it. Amongst an assortment of unfamiliar yet relatable faces, you could be sociable or don’t be. Put your hands in your pockets and listen, float above the crowd with the band, just make sure it’s somewhere compact. You’ll feel it then.

Mid-October, autumn is in it’s full, dying blossom, the ideal evening to pack into the small and intimate, 7th Street Entry. That night, Beach Fossils, a melancholy, easy-ridin’ surf rock band was playing to an audience of young, beautiful, connected fans and one dad in the front row… It was a dreamscape for a weeknight.

Beach Fossils was touring their third album, Somersault, bringing a polished and composed sound to the stage. Since their 2009 formation in Brooklyn, NY, their line-up has changed a bit, but their sound has remained consistent thanks to lead vocalist and songwriter, Dustin Payseur. Payseur’s songwriting makes me feel at ease, makes everything seem alright, simultaneously evoking melancholy self-reflection. If you get a taste of those intermingling, dancing guitar parts and earnest, poppy vocal melodies, you’ll know what I mean.

The five-piece band began with the opening track to Somersault, “This Year,” and they sounded and looked tight. You know when you can kind of tell you caught a band mid-tour? They all look so casual and care-free while playing the songs perfectly. They continued with another new track, “May 1st,” a personal favorite from the album and from there, played older tunes like “Sleep Apnea” and “What a Pleasure.” A slight departure from Beach Fossils’ usual sound, was the addition of synthesizers and keys, giving their music a lushness that transitioned beautifully to their live performance. It was full and rich, even on that tiny stage.

I love 7th Street, not only because one gets free entry and champagne on one’s birthday, but also due to its becoming, seasoned interior, the incredible sound quality at every show and its small size. It feels like a place where performers can unwind for one night on their tour. It’s not very impressive looking, but the professional sound covers that flaw, and it’s usually full of music-loving Minnesotans, a hard crowd to lose with. That’s why this show was exemplary.

You may not know Beach Fossils or even care who they are (you should), but never underestimate the relief and social connection that can come from going to a show, especially in a small club. Go be in a room full of people who genuinely care and connect with the same music that you hold dear. It’s a relief, it’s simple and it makes you feel more united, both to the music and the people.