Music Review: "Lightning Bug," by KOSER

KOSER is a high-energy, five-piece alternative rock band from Philadelphia. This supergroup blends the powerful contralto vocals of Kara Koser with a rich array of instruments—guitar, bass, saxophone, keyboard, synth, percussion, drums, and more. KOSER evokes the soul of artists like Lawrence and Amy Winehouse, while channeling the grit of Nirvana and Paramore. The music video for their single “Lightning Bug” showcases the band’s musical and visual creativity, weaving a magical, mysterious drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Written, directed, and edited by lead singer Kara in collaboration with award-winning Philadelphia-based director Daniel Rosendale, the “Lightning Bug” music video perfectly captures the haunting, dream-like soundscape of the song. It begins with flashing lights illuminating Kara’s face in random rhythms as she looks around in an otherworldly way. Cut to images of a full moon behind a haze of clouds, ghosts in sheets, and costumed crows casting shadows on a nearby house —the scene is set.

Kara sings as dark figures surround her, sometimes standing silently nearby, other times grabbing at her, their hands covering her and holding her back. As the bridge swells, Kara reaches through a smoke screen, guiding us toward what we can only hope is safety. The shooting and editing of the video is proof that Rosendale has an eye for dramatics. They’ve also worked in the Philadelphia drag scene and other artists and bands as a visual director. 

KOSER is full of musical intentionality, and seeing their sound brought to life through visuals as intricate and compelling as their music is a true experience. Catch the band live at The Ladybug Music Festival on May 30, performing on the Main Stage at 6:55 PM. For more information, visit the festival website here.

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