By Gaby Nieraeth, KRTU Student Intern
As retro-inspired R&B groups seem to continually gain popularity, Durand Jones & The Indications (DJI) continue to carve out their distinct place within the genre. Rhythmic bass lines along with soaring falsettos from drummer Aaron Frazer, paired with the deeply-soulful vocals of Durand Jones transported the San Antonio audience at the Aztec Theater on September 15th. The sound didn’t quite throw back entirely to the 1970s nor exist fully in 2025, but instead lived in a unique in-between space.
Before DJI took the stage, The Psycodelics (Instagram: @thepsycodelics) had the crowd mesmerized by their high-energy funk infused set. As I looked out amongst the crowd, I saw a sea of heads bobbing along to the rhythm. Cheers rang out as bassist and lead vocalist Cameron ‘Caminator’ Wescott led the group into song after song. While you may be able to hear the heavy influence of the 1970s in their sound, in a 2023 article for the Charleston City Paper, Wescott noted that they pull influence from “...sounds and ideas musically from back in the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s - everything up until now - and put it all together. There’s no certain time period.”
After a short break, DJI (Instagram: @durandjonesandtheindications) took the stage to the rapturous cheers of an excited San Antonio crowd. Frazer proudly called the performance a “hometown show.” San Antonio was a key stop in the group’s early days, as Jones explained in a 2021 interview with Indianapolis Monthly that their first show in San Antonio marked the beginning of realizing the legacy they had tasked themselves with upholding and pushing forward. The show was transformative not only as a group for DJI, but for Jones, who now calls San Antonio home; “I immediately fell in love with San Antonio after that.”
That love was definitely reciprocated by the crowd at the Aztec Theater. The energy was absolutely electric, as lovers clung to each other, friends sang along, and strangers exchanged smiles. The setlist spanned their entire discography, from the 2016 debut album track “Is It Any Wonder?” to “Really Wanna Be With You” off their 2025 release Flowers. I was blown away by Frazer’s airy vocals, which created a dreamlike atmosphere. Jones’ voice was a powerhouse, and his stage presence was enchanting. He high-fived fans on the barricade and danced like no one was watching. One of the most moving moments came during “Love Will Work It Out”, with its promise that “joy will set us free if you so believe” and “don’t you ever doubt that love will work it out.” The song felt like a seed of hope and a reminder of love’s power in a deeply divided time.
From The Psycodelics’ high-energy funk to DJI’s smooth neo-soul, the night was a celebration of love, hope, and the timeless power of music.
