Glass Beams shrouds Santa Ana in mystique at Observatory OC

Melbourne’s enigmatic trio Glass Beams brought their distinctive mix of Eastern and Western sounds to the Observatory OC in Santa Ana, California, headlining a show that indulged fans in their psychedelic universe. Touring in support of their latest album Mahal, the three-piece band presented a set that blurred the lines between synth, funk, and instrumentals — all while honoring Indian roots.

Their flawless blend of genres is insanely innovative.

Before Glass Beams performed, American composer and synth genius Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith opened the night. Known for her electronic compositions, Smith created an ambience with a fascinating, ethereal atmosphere. A Pacific Northwest native that is now based in Los Angeles, Smith’s performance dove into a realm of modern electronic music, perfectly complementing the energy that Glass Beams would soon set free.

Glass Beams is no ordinary band… and their visual presence is as stunning as their set. Each member of the band wore dazzling, intricate masks, crafted by a Russian jeweler to conceal their identities.

Their masks added mystery, enhancing the surreal vibes of their music.

Rising into the scene in 2021 with their debut EP Mirage, as well as their exceptional social media presence, Glass Beams quickly gained a large following — big thanks to their creative sound that mixes the rhythms and scales of traditional Indian music with a combination of psychedelic rock. Their performance highlighted how effortlessly they weave those influences into a cohesive manner. Tracks from Mahal took their OC fan base on a mind-altering adventure, each song topped off with synths and basslines that created a super vibey atmosphere in the venue.

As Glass Beams continue their Mahal Tour, their music and mystique only seem to grow stronger, quickly establishing themselves as one of the most exciting new acts in the psychedelic rock scene. Their show in Orange County was raw and different (in the best way possible), that many should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Photography by Celeste Basich

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