The Ice Caps on stage at Ray's Golden Lion / Oct 3, 2025 / E. L. Campbell
On October 3, Tri-Cities’ newest upcoming local youth band, The Ice Caps, performed the opening act at Ray’s Golden Lion. Since their on-stage debut at Three Rivers HomeLink’s end-of-year music recital earlier this year, the band has been gaining traction, with support from friends and family. They move fast: their first music video was released on YouTube only a couple months before the release of their first EP, Dabble, on May 16. In addition, they have been blessing ears at Mushroom Fest and the Richland Farmers Market all summer.
The band consists of iconic guitar talent Mason Griffith, charismatic bassist Kyle Campbell, vibey lead singer (and moral support) Delmer Kessie, expressive guitarist Sam Huerta, and secretly funny drummer Keegan Cain. And we can’t forget the band’s mascot: a squirrel onesie affectionately named Johnny Ice Cap, who spends his performance time draped over background props — or sometimes worn by Delmer.
Inspired by artists like The Beatles and Radiohead, Delmer and Mason write most of the band’s songs, often in collaboration with the rest of the group. Their sound dabbles in delightfully erratic and moody rock melodies weaved into alternative and experimental elements. It’s a perfect symphony for a generation who yearns for something as unique and real as themselves.
Each member provides an ingredient for the special sauce that blends into a magnetic stage presence, clearly evident at the Golden Lion — Keegan’s call to action on the drums, Kyle’s stank-face-worthy bassline, Sam’s unapologetic axe, Delmer’s heart-shaking voice, and Mason’s invitation of glory on the guitar. The band played several unreleased tracks at the show, working the crowd into a loud, cathartic frenzy, and followed up with a glorious cover of ‘Just’ by Radiohead. I was one of the many fans swept away on a wave of enthusiasm by Delmer’s call-and-answer bit during their classic original ‘Squirrel on a Powerline’. And Sam’s popular ballad, ‘Star Stricken Princess’, sent a murmur of excitement through the crowd when the melancholy chords began to echo. Throughout the dark restaurant venue, songs like ‘Stepping Stones’ and ‘Work in Progress’ were lighting up spirits as the boys sang about the satisfying struggle of creative progress and moving forward.
The band’s potential is obvious, and the future looks bright for these scrappy, young musicians. In the short time the boys have been performing together, they have already begun polishing their synergy and confidence. They’re a comforting representation of how chaos meets beauty — when we can accept the journey for what it is. We can’t wait for more opportunities to watch them headbang, bounce around on stage, and shred on the floor!
The Ice Caps are gaining popularity locally, online, and across states. One fan in Houston, Texas says, “I’m in my ‘Star Stricken Princess’ era.” Fans are seeking out autographs, themed trade-ables, and other merch while they wait for more songs to be officially released online.
If you’re not one of the lucky folks who can witness their genius live (or if you are, but you want more), then for your listening enjoyment, their EP can be found on Spotify and Apple Music.
Follow The Ice Caps on Instagram: @the_ice_caps
