'We're in This Together': Four Bands Unite Stillwater Crowd
Slice of Life made their debut alongside The Color Opium, Sundrift and Ugly Cowboys at Release Radar OSU's first show of 2026
Stillwater's punk scene celebrated a night of exciting firsts Friday, Jan. 16. Release Radar OSU promoted its inaugural show of 2026 in the retail space of i&i Skateshop and Mama Tried Vintage on North Main Street. The night also featured the debut performance of a new band, Slice of Life.
Lucas, founder of Release Radar, and local soundboard hero "Sound Guy" Eric greeted attendees at the door. The shop's low-slung ceiling fostered an immediate sense of intimacy—a feeling that grew palpable as the room filled and windows began to steam up.
Owners Isa and Ivan welcomed the crowd, even allowing photographers to stand on the counter to capture the action. Isa mentioned their goal to host at least two shows a month, emphasizing the need for more local music and spaces to spread good vibes. Vintage apparel and records lined the walls, while the shop counter—repurposed from its daily duties into a merch stand for headliners Ugly Cowboys—set the perfect DIY tone.
Lead singer Luke and Slice of Life take the stage for their first-ever live performance Friday at i&i Skateshop. The band embraced their nerdy side during the set, breaking open a pack of Magic: The Gathering cards as the crowd cheered. – Photos by Quincy Einstein
Slice of Life opened the evening with their first-ever live performance. The band brought a ska vibe and fully embraced their nerdiness; halfway through their set, they broke open a fresh pack of Magic: The Gathering cards. The crowd leaned forward, cheering as lead singer Luke revealed each one.
For a debut, Slice of Life exhibited excellent cohesion and audience rapport—a promising sign that the evening would become a true shared experience, with bands performing with the audience, not just for them. This sentiment crystallized when Luke told the crowd, "Look around, these are your fellow citizens. We're in this together," a theme that echoed throughout the night.
All the acts—The Color Opium, Sundrift, and Ugly Cowboys—proved helpful when asked for setlists and details. Sundrift was the only band without a physical setlist, a detail that only added to their impeccable indie vibe and magnetic performance.
The Color Opium played seven songs, with standouts being their cover of Nirvana's "Breed" and their final two songs, for which they brought out Rhea from local band Asbestos Party. The band integrated saxophone into a sludge-metal sound.
Four bands packed i&i Skateshop for Release Radar OSU's first show of 2026. Top left: "Sound Guy" Eric at the soundboard; top right: the crowd surfs during Sundrift's performance; bottom right: Sundrift lead singer Elizabeth; bottom right: The Color Opium integrates saxophone into their sludge-metal sound. – Photos by Quincy Einstein
At their peak, seven people filled the stage, the band crashing against the audience while crowd surfers pressed against the low ceiling. Lead singer Kristy masterfully held the crowd's attention during tuning breaks by tossing items into the audience and teasing her bandmates, adding a layer of fun to their powerful set.
Sundrift followed with a rehearsed set that required no physical setlist. Lead singer Elizabeth kicked things off with a fierce, "Are you ready to go? Let's f**kin' go!" and the band launched into strong, laid-back indie rock.
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Every member moved in sync with each other and the audience, reinforcing that "you're not alone" message. By their third song, they had the audience in the palm of their hand. Elizabeth introduced one song as being "about wanting to fight someone," and then drummer Landon attacked his kit with such ferocity the drums seemed in danger. Sundrift's performance left big shoes to fill.
Ugly Cowboys closed the night. Sam, Bee, and Jamie drew attention from over half the attendees. They describe their music as a mix of genres—punkabilly, cowpunk, smutrock, or sleaze, with a dash of indie.
The music was humorous, relevant, loud, and brimming with infectious energy. From Sam and Bee's playful banter to their wacky waving inflatable tube man and the holiday lights on Jamie's drums, the set was a spectacle. The evening ended with everyone sweaty from dancing, the crowd demanding an encore before the band could even leave the stage.
Just as the evening seemed to wind down, Sound Guy Eric put on a specific song and started a conga line—a deliberate tradition re-creating the final show from 2025 at the Bait Shop. As the lights brightened, the line snaked through the room, and people easily fell into step, laughing as they joined the familiar ritual. The energy remained high, an adrenaline rush sustained by the night's amazing performances.
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