On a brisk night on December 14th, the Atlantis—IMP's nostalgic nod to the original 9:30 Club—hosted bassist Karina Rykman in an electric performance. In a fitting tribute to her debut album, "Joyride," Rykman's vibrant presence transformed the venue into a lively canvas filled with colorful light, love, and lighthearted music. The brand new venue, a faithful recreation of the old 1980s nightclub, emanated a tangible energy often found in well-loved music halls—a perfect combination of modern amenities and divey aesthetic.

From the onset of the first song, "Beacon," Rykman's infectious energy enveloped the audience. A native New Yorker, Karina’s perpetual movement on stage added a kinetic dimension to the music, mirroring the fluidity between her bass lines and the pulsating beats from bandmates Adam November (guitar and synth wizardry) and Chris Corsico (drums).

The setlist unfolded as a dance party, featuring "Joyride" tracks like the title song and "All That You Wanted." Rykman's constant dance became a visual counterpart to the music, captivating the crowd and enhancing the overall experience. The set also featured staples of Rykman's catalog, including songs like the groovy "Plants," the funky "Dirty South," the tribute to Karina's roots known as "City Kids," the powerful angst of "Run of the Mill," and the euphoric "Elevator."

A standout moment was Rykman's cover of boygenius' "Satanist," where her contagious energy and thunderous bass shook the walls of the Atlantis. The Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love" and Rykman's original tune "Atom Dance" fueled the audience's kinetic energy. The encore, featuring Blur's "Song 2," marked the night's peak. Rykman's energy and constant movement turned the venue into a small sea of shared exhilaration.

The evening started with a captivating set from Coyote Island, the brainchild of producer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mike O'Hehir. Drawing from years of nationwide musical exploration, Coyote Island's roots in folk swiftly blossomed into a genre-defying fusion of psychedelic indie. Mike and his band of brothers delivered a captivating live performance, seamlessly translating the expansive soundscape from their recordings. The audience was swept away by the band's first hit single, "Here Before," a testament to their growing following. Coyote Island's live presence emanated good vibrations, dancey grooves, and tropical psychedelia—a sonic vacation that set the perfect tone for the night ahead with headliner Karina Rykman.