Category: Genres

  • Hearing Aide: Yoko Miwa newest album ‘Pathways’

    Without a word, after reviewing jazz pianist Yoko Miwa and her longstanding trio’s newest album Pathways waltz you from the dance floor to the back alley with hints of everything from standards to show tunes and a few surprising renditions in between.

    Released by Ocean Blue Tear Music on May 12, the album features pianist Yoko Miwa, Bassist Will Slater (with Brad Barrett stepping in for one track), and drummer Scott Goulding (Miwa’s husband). A highly affable experience featuring three seasoned and spectacularly attuned musicians, Pathways is a timeless album that goes down smooth from start to finish.

    Things get rolling with a rare reprisal of Bill Evans Trio Bassist Marc Johnson’s “Log O’Rythm” which is also joined by another one of Johnson’s songs, “After You” on Pathways. Miwa also borrows from a page of Joni Mitchell’s songbook with a rendition of “Court and Spark.”

    Lickety Split” takes listeners on a spin across the dance floor with fast-paced crescendos, spiraling into spontaneous jazz riffs. Like a rollercoaster ride, the song has peaks and valleys, with appropriately placed drum and bass solos building anticipation which Miwa rises to meet.

    Pathways’ finale, a heartfelt rendition of the Beatle’s “Dear Prudence” could not be a more appropriate ending to a gorgeous piece of musicianship. A perfect blend of simplicity and beauty, the eight-plus minute track unfolds gradually and deliberately, with some sections of improvisation dispersed among this familiar classic.

    Yahama Pianos Artist, JVC Victor Entertainment recording artist, and an assistant professor at the Berklee College of Music, Miwa came from Japan to Boston to attend Berklee in the late-1990s on a full scholarship and never left. With more than a decade and a half together, the jazz threesome holds down weekly residencies at several renowned Boston venues. This is Miwa’s sixth album. Give it a listen and let Pathways bring pure beauty into your world.

    Key tracks: Lickety Split, Dear Prudence

  • The 5th Annual Susquehanna Breakdown: Affordable Scranton Bluegrass

    What can you do with $50 in Scranton, PA this weekend?  How about two days of incredible bluegrass, folk, and funk?  The 5th Annual Susquehanna Breakdown begins Friday, May 19 with local act, The Dishonest Fiddlers taking the stage at 6:30pm followed by most Deadhead’s favorite one-man band, Keller Williams, at 8pm.  Members of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s own Cabinetwill be joining Williams on stage for the 9:30pm “Keller & Cabinet” set which is sure to be full of surprises.  Cabinet will then take over the stage at 10:45 for the first of three weekend sets.

    When Susquehanna Breakdown was founded in 2013 by Cabinet and Live Nation Entertainment, their aim was to shine a light on the regional artists, farmers and craft vendors of Scranton, PA.  Over the years the festival has added bigger names and larger crowds to their Montage Mountain home, yet the tight-knit friendly vibe, cheap ticket price, and local sponsorship has remained.  While Cabinet continues to be at the nucleus of the event, bluegrass juggernauts, Greensky Bluegrass, have taken over 2017’s headlining slot at 9pm on Saturday night.   Other sets to check out on Saturday include Binghamton, New York’s Driftwood at 12:30pm, a daytime acoustic set from Cabinet at 2:15pm, the soulful folkie Wood Brothers at 4pm and Billy Strings tearing things up at 8pm!

    The full schedule is posted and as in years past, the festival organizers have set the separate stage times so that attendees are able to catch a glimpse of every band with little to no overlap.  And did we mention the late night acts?  The funky West Coast trio, Organ Freeman, will be taking over the party on Friday night and the traveling powerhouse, Turkuaz, will be sending Breakdowners home after one more Saturday night set.  Sandwiched in between all this funkiness is Tom Hamilton’s Breakdown All Stars at 11pm on the second day which will be full of festival-wide collaborations.

    The Northeastern festival season is now upon us and this showcase might be the best bang for your buck you will find this year.  Whether you plan to attend on Saturday only or camp for both nights on the pavilion lawn, there is plenty to do and hear at this year’s Breakdown.  An eclectic collection of acts from around the country sharing the space with local bands and vendors makes this the perfect practice run for the rest of the summer’s events.  The Susquehanna Breakdown shares the same space as Montage Mountain’s larger summer extravaganza, The Peach Festival, but at a fraction of the cost.  While Scranton locals may consider Peach to be the big brother of the mountain’s two jam-heavy festivals, the Breakdown just hit another growth spurt and is ready to rival its older sibling in 2017.

    NYS Music had the chance to sit down with The Dishonest Fiddlers founder, Dave Brown to discover what makes “The Electric City” the perfect place for a breakdown…

    Ben Boivin: What is the concept behind The Dishonest Fiddlers and where did you first come up with this unique idea to play with different artists at every show?

    Dave Brown: Well, I played solo prior to forming the band and I still enjoy the solo sets very much but the band has given my music a chance to take a different shape and myself a chance to play with and learn from a lot of different musicians along the way.

    BB: What is your connection with Cabinet, the band that founded the Breakdown?

    DB: Well my introduction to Cabinet came maybe 4 or 5 years ago in Scranton.  I ordered lunch from Pizza by Pappa’s, and JP [Biondo] delivered it. I was not expecting him, nor was I expecting the pizza to have several bites out of it either. JP agreed to let me take a few bites of the next pizza he had to deliver, and after playing a few tunes I agreed we were square. Since then I started picking up my orders from Pappa’s and listening to Cabinet.  Lately I’ve been fortunate enough to have Todd Kopec, from Cabinet, playing fiddle with us and he’ll be on stage with me at the Breakdown too.

    BB: I know that you are on the road all summer and visiting many different festivals.  What do you feel is so special about the Susquehanna Breakdown?

    DB: The Breakdown has really evolved into something a lot of people really look forward too. I’ve met people from all over the country at the Susquehanna Breakdown over the years. I was a spectator at the first one and its definitely special to have the opportunity to be playing this year. It’s also nice that our family and friends have a chance to be there and share the day with us

    BB: What is the band you are most looking forward to seeing at this festival?

    DB: I recently had a show with Driftwood and I got a copy of their new album so I’m looking forward to hearing some of those tunes again.  I’m also interested in hearing Billy Strings for the first time.

    BB: What would you like to see for The Dishonest Fiddlers?

    DB: Well tours and new albums all sound great but mainly I want to keep having fun and keep writing music. If I can manage to keep enough air in my tires and the lights on at home, the rest will fall in place.

    Tickets for the Susquehanna Breakdown can be purchased at the festival or via Ticketmaster while supplies last.

  • Westcott Theater to Feature Grammy Nominee The Record Company

    What a difference a year makes. Los Angeles based trio The Record Company released their Concord Records debut album, Give It Back to You, on February 12, 2016. Exactly one year later, they were among the nominees for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 2017 Grammy Awards.

    Off the Ground” and “Rita Mae Young” are infectious songs showcasing Chris Vos’ gritty vocals and greasy slide guitar, as well as the rhythm section of bass player Alex Stiff and drummer Mark Cazorla.

    “I always think of any performance as one less time, not one more time.” says Vos, “Nobody can say how many shows you get to play in your life. So we try to play our guts out, leave it all on the table, and have fun doing it”.

    The Record Company with special guest, Smooth Hound Smith, will appear at The Westcott Theater in Syracuse, New York, on Saturday May 20th, along with opening act Smooth Hound Smith. Doors open at 8:00, show begins at 9:00. Tickets are still available.

  • Hearing Aide: Matisyahu ‘Undercurrent’

    Matisyahu may have found a unique niche in the Jewish reggae and hip hop scenes, and with the 2017 release of his sixth studio album Undercurrent, his religious convictions are woven into a stream of consciousness that flows between genres throughout the album. The album was described in a recent press release stating, “The vulnerability felt throughout the lyrical narrative comes from acceptance in uncertainty. “Step out into the Light” sets the tone for the record, as Matisyahu delves into a musical reframing of the Jewish philosophical differences between the constant of faith and the immediacy of trust.”

    Matisyahu completed the album with a team of esteemed collaborators including some who have a long history working with Matisyahu on past projects. Aaron Dugan (guitarist), Stu Brooks (bassist), Joe Tomino (drums), Tim Keiper (drums) Cyro Baptista (percussion) and Big Yuki (keys) serve as the vehicle through which Marisyahu delivers his rhythmic remarks.

    Undercurrent serves as the musical checkpoint along Matisyahu’s continued journey of seeking greater truth within himself and the world around him. “Step out into the Light” opens the album with a modern hip hop vibe. Matisyahu quickly entangles the album with religion, mentioning a dreidel in the first few lines. The lyrics are at times ambiguous but flow well. Matisyahu offers some seemingly deep philosophical musings but leaves it to the listener to fully unpack their meaning

    “Coming up Empty,” is more heavily produced than much of Matisyahu’s work and may catch fans off guard. “Blue Sky Playground” is heavy on the hip hop and is the first song on the album worth a head bob or two. Halfway through, the nasty hip hop groove fades to a mellow jam which rounds out the eight-minute track. “Forest of Faith” is easygoing and pleasant on the ears with instrumentation that sounds like a tropical xylophone. “Head Right” tricks the listener into thinking its a heavy rock tune, but quickly morphs into a hip hop/reggae hybrid and flips back and forth to the rock realm. “Driftin” concludes the eight-track album with a song that could almost be split into tow separate tracks. The first half serves as a low key hip hop track akin to Dirty Heads before the last seven minutes resort to minimalist instrumentation with Matisyahu displaying his beatboxing ability. This album will certainly keep listeners on their toes.

    Key Tracks: Blue Sky Playground, Forest of Faith, Head Right

  • Joywave Makes a Splash with New Music Video “It’s a Trip”

    Joywave unveiled the music video for “It’s a Trip,” the first single from its upcoming album, Content. The lyrics of this catchy surf rock song are laced with dark humor.  What should be a fun day at the shore becomes commentary on wasting time trying to please someone else. The video captures the concept of the song by showing the members of the pop quintet aging progressively. The video was directed by up-and-comers Ghost + Cow Films, with makeup by Ben Bornstein.

    Visit Joywave.com to download or stream the song, or to sign up for their email list.

    The LP Content is out on July 28.

    The quintet from Rochester will spend August and September touring across the U.S. with Young the Giant and Cold War Kids. Their only show in New York State currently scheduled is in Central Park on September 13. Touring information and ticket information can be found on the Joywave website.

    Joywave It's a trip

  • State Champs Sell Out Hometown Show

    Albany natives State Champs truly came around the world and back after selling out their hometown venue in Clifton Park, N.Y. With a full house, State Champs performed to the best of their ability for their friends and loved ones on Saturday.

    On May 13, State Champs alongside Against The Current, With Confidence and Don Broco sold out Upstate Concert Hall on their second to last night of their headlining tour.

    The night kicked off with Young Culture, another band from Albany, N.Y. Even from the start, they got everyone’s attention by performing their song, “Bedroom Floor” which features Derek DiScanio of State Champs. The support from fans of Young Culture led into the next band on the lineup, Don Broco.

    The England-based rock group kicked off the night with their fantastic stage presence, and unique sound. Frontman Rob Damiani made sure to jump into the audience for their hit single, “You Wanna Know,” which took the audience by storm.

    Don Broco, which sound like a heavier version of The 1975 as a comparison, had a perfect vibe to bring to this tour. With their outstanding energy and audience engagement, Don Broco left an impression on fans with their catchy pop-sounding choruses with rock undertones. With their unique vibe and style, had it been any other night of the tour, Don Broco have the ability to be the band to steal the show.

    Intense pop-punk group With Confidence picked the pace back up with their engaging and impressive vocals and energy. Opening their set with their hit song, “Voldemort,” the crowd immediately reacted accordingly to their performance. Fans were jumping and screaming the words to the song, and trying to get as close to the stage as they could. Due to the importance of this date of the tour, With Confidence dedicated their performance of “London Lights” to State Champs. “This goes out to anyone who knows someone who’s stepped on their fucking heart,” said vocalist Jayden Seeley as they led into their performance.

    With the crowd starting to get sweaty from all of the activity, the night shifted to pop group Against The Current to steal the stage. Frontman Chrissy Costanza immediately jumped on stage grabbing everyone’s attention. Despite being on the road for over a month, you would not have been able to tell from Costanza’s performance. Her vocals were great for a live performance with the amount of jumping and running around she does with her time on stage.

    Although some of her high notes could have used a bigger breathe for a cleaner note, this can be forgiven from her non-stop intensive energy song-after-song. The band also worked to get the crowd ready for State Champs by having screaming contests with fans. Perhaps their strongest performance of the night was their song “Runaway.”

    When the time came for State Champs to take the stage, the energy inside the venue shifted. There is something absolutely incredible when you feel the energy and excitement of the friends and family of the members of State Champs cheering along in support.

    “It was truly special for us to play in our hometown at Upstate Concert Hall,” said guitarist Tyler Szalkowski. “We grew up going to shows there when we were teenagers so to now come back as a headliner and sell it out was astounding,” he said.

    State Champs opened their set with a popular older hit of theirs, “Remedy.” Fans immediately made their way to the front of the venue in droves crowd surfing on top of each other to make contact with State Champs.

    With their first performance at Upstate Concert Hall this year, the feeling of love and support from seeing friends and family in the audience made the vibe for this hometown State Champs show indescribable.

    “The night was made even more special by all of our friends and family being there alongside us,” said Szalkowski.

    With the new release of the deluxe edition of Around The World And Back, State Champs were able to use their tour to debut performing their new song, “Slow Burn” which was received well by the audience.

    Along with performing their newer material, you could tell there was support from longtime fans at the show due to the amount of activity from performing an older State Champs song during the show. Their performance of “Deadly Conversation” led to not a single person still inside the venue. Uncommon for State Champs, on this tour they performed one of their earlier acoustic hits, “Stick Around,” followed by a single from their new album, “Around The World And Back.” Their performance of the ballad featured Costanza from Against The Current, and had every fan in the audience singing along. “We used to sneak into this venue when we were too young to get in,” said frontman DiScanio.

    If you have the chance to see a band perform in their hometown venue, you have to take that opportunity. With the nature of State Champs intense energetic performances, this style is only magnified while performing for their friends and family back home.

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  • Music Community Responds to Allegations of Abuse by Member of PWR BTTM

    Multiple accusations of sexual abuse and harassment have been levied against Ben Hopkins, a member of the pop duo PWR BTTM, coming into the public spotlight via social media on the eve of the launch of their sophomore album, Pageant.

    The music industry and community are resoundingly sympathizing with survivors and witnesses of abuse. As a result, PWR BTTM’s album release show in New York scheduled for Friday was cancelled. Their managers and labels have dropped them. Supporting acts have withdrawn from upcoming shows. At least one festival has dropped them from the lineup so far.

    In a statement on PWR BTTM’s Facebook page on Thursday, the band offered to participate in mediation with those who are reporting abuse online. In part, the statement reads:

    Our primary goal here is to ensure that a survivor of abuse has a voice, that their story should be heard and that people who cross the line should be held accountable. What this means for the band, our album, our fans and our upcoming tours is, as of yet, unclear. Music is everything to us, but we feel strongly that this matter needs to be addressed first.”

    A touring member of the band who also helped with the arrangements on the album Pageant immediately resigned from the band. Cameron West had this to say on Twitter:

    Today, like many PWR BTTM fans, I was shocked to discover that sexual assault allegations were levied against Ben Hopkins. From my understanding, these accusations were in fact levied via e-mail months ago, but were left unshared with other members of the band, including myself. In order to provide the highest possible respect to everyone who has come forward, I am hereby ending my tenure with the band as an arranger and touring musician.”

    The band’s album release show which was scheduled for Friday night in New York City was cancelled.

    Also on Friday, the band’s management agency, Salty Artist Management dropped the band. A portion of their Facebook statement reads:

    In light of the allegations involving members of PWR BTTM, Salty Artist Management will no longer be working with the band. We do not take these kind of allegations lightly and our thoughts are with victims and survivors of abuse who have been affected by this.”

    By Saturday, PWR BTTM was dropped from their current and former labels. Polyvinyl is offering refunds on any purchases of PWR BTTM music or merchandise made through their company. Those who made purchases can send a request via mailorder@polyvinylrecords.com. Polyvinyl is also making donations to RAINN, and AVP, organizations which assist survivors of sexual assault and violence. The label Father/Daughter Records, who released PWR BTTM’s debut album, Ugly Cherries, have also followed suit, pulling PWR BTTM music and merchandise, and donating to the same charities.

    Over the past few days, supporting acts have withdrawn from billing on PWR BTTM shows. Nnamdi Ogbonnaya, iji,  Ratboys, and Tancred have distanced themselves from the band in light of the allegations in public statements on social media.  T-Rextacy acknowledged hearing about the allegations prior to them being made public. “We made a mistake supporting this band,” they stated. “We put our career above the safety of fans who have trusted us and supported us and there’s no way for us to remedy that.”

    Furthermore, the band has been removed from the lineup of this fall’s Hopscotch Music Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina. “It is the primary goal of the festival organizers to ensure that everyone feels safe and free to express themselves.”

    Friends and fellow members of the Brooklyn music scene Diet Cig summed up the feelings of many fans and supporters in a Tweet on Sunday:

    we’re so heartbroken about these allegations and have been trying to sort through our feelings the last few days. one thing we know for certain is we believe and stand with the survivors, we take this very seriously. it’s scary thinking your friends could hurt someone like this but friendship doesn’t excuse these actions, or make them any less real.

    Support and compassion goes out to all survivors and witnesses of abuse. The resources below are available 24/7 via online chat or phone to anyone impacted directly or indirectly by violence.

    National Sexual Assault Hotline – (800) 656-4673
    The Trevor Project – (866) 488-7386
    LGBT National Help Center – (888) 843-4564
    Anti-Violence Project – (212) 714-1141

  • Leif Vollebekk Playing Rochester’s German House

    Montreal multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk is bringing his deep and moving lyricism to Rochester for what will be a special show at the Historic German House. He is touring behind his critically-acclaimed third album, Twin Solitude, released earlier this year. The three years between records saw him in a creative rut, brought on by extended periods on the road. But he was able to find inspiration in everyday beauty, the seemingly mundane. It has garnered plenty of praise, from NPR Music admiring it as “devastatingly beautiful,” Brooklyn Vegan calling it “lovely, soulful and spare,” while The Fader praised Vollebekk’s “passionate Broken Social Scene-adjacent melodies wrapped in a casual, jammy atmosphere.”

    Local pop-up show promoter Honest Folk, a year into their enterprise, are bringing Vollebekk for their first show at the German House in Rochester’s South Wedge this Thursday, May 18. The show will begin around 7pm. Tickets are $30 and are available at their website. A portion of the proceeds from the show will benefit the Center for Youth, a local organization that provides comprehensive programs and services—from prevention education and counseling to emergency shelter and youth development opportunities.

  • Phish Drops Union College Archival Release

    Phish added a new official archival release to their LivePhish collection this morning, with a show from May 17, 1992 at Union College in Schenectady is now available from LivePhish.com.

    On Sunday, May 17, 1992, Phish played a “secret” show, unannounced in the April/May Phish Update of that year. The show took place at Achilles Rink at Union College in Schenectady on keyboardist Page McConnell’s 29th birthday. The show, which had a ticket price of $5, was the second to last show on the 53 night spring tour that wrapped up in the band’s hometown of Burlington, Vermont.

    The night started off with a “no smoking” announcement prior to a first set highlights of “The Landlady” and “Llama” as the openers. “Stash” and “Chalkdust Torture” are also highlights from the set, and the “I Didn’t Know” features drummer Jon Fishman on trombone. The second set “Possum” is considered a recommended version of the song. It features a number of the band’s secret language cues, including the Simpsons and All Fall Down signals. It also contains a variety of teases, including “Rocky Mountain Way,” “L.A. Woman,” “China Grove,” “It’s Ice” and “Divided Sky.” The “Squirming Coil” features the audience singing “Happy Birthday to You” to Page, followed by teases of the song by Page. The versions of “Brother” and “Harry Hood” are considered must hear versions.

    The new release is available for download or streaming at LivePhish.com.

    Setlist
    Set I: The Landlady, Llama, Colonel Forbin’s Ascent > Fly Famous Mockingbird > My Sweet One > Reba, I Didn’t Know, Stash, The Mango Song > Poor Heart > Chalk Dust Torture

    Set II: The Curtain > Possum, Guelah Papyrus, The Squirming Coil, All Things Reconsidered, Brother, Sanity > Cold as Ice > Love You > Hold Your Head Up, Sparkle > Harry Hood, Cavern

    Encore: Lawn Boy > Good Times Bad Times

  • Balance and Composure ‘Afterparty’ Breaks Out for Night 2 at Monty Hall

    Reflection: Who did I really see? What turned out as a spontaneous, nearly three hour drive from New York’s capital region to Jersey City to catch Doylestown, PA natives Balance and Composure for a low key night of alternative rock, grunge and some newfound shoegazey material, quickly turned into what can be described as a Balance and Composure after party, an appropriate nod to a popular track on their latest album. I’ve been to my fair share of B&C shows and lets just say this one does not conventionally belong among the rest.

    Queens of Jean and From Indian Lakes opened up the second Monty Hall gig of the weekend on April 23 before the three groups took the reigns of their US. Spring 2017 tour. Frontman Jon Simmons took to the stage to prep for the set ahead–along with two other non-band members, which quickly generated buzz among the loitering fans. Simmons guitarist Andy Slaymaker and drummer Bailey Van Ellis, took their respective spots on stage, however, guitarist Erik Petersen and bassist Matt Warner were nowhere to be seen.

    Taking a glance around the tightly packed venue, it was evident that the calmer and probably older Balance and Composure veterans sat toward the back while the younger crowd channeled their energy and pushed their bodies to the forefront of the room. The two unknown members turned out to be members of the Doylestown, PA group on hiatus, Superheaven, bringing an evident “pop punkier” sound throughout the set.

    Without lineup explanation or further ado,  Simmons briefly addressed the crowd, thanking everyone for coming out for night two at Monty Hall in Jersey City– a place they’ve yet to play or “even knew existed.” It was clear Balance and Composure 2.0 was ready to kick things off for a night of fun, even with the unconventional or unexpected lineup. Making cryptic jokes and spewing one-off phrases and interjections throughout the show such as “well, let’s uh have some fun tonight” and “the band and I have taken a consensus…” I wasn’t sure if I had walked into the alternative rocker’s edition of The Twilight Zone or if Ashton Kutcher reprised Punk’d just for me, but confusion danced in the air as did I. Although not the run of the mill B&C show, there was only one thing to do– embrace it. (I later found out that Erik and Matt are in the midst of planning their own weddings. Congrats, guys!)

    The group’s third and most recent studio album, Light We Made, stirred up some fan controversy and genre expectations. With the help of producer Will Yip, they took a leap away from the grunge and angst given off on their debut album Separation and implemented auto tune and electronic drumming. Their sophomore release, The Things We Think We’re Missing, blended said genres with more wistful sounds and whimsical lyrics until their third album completely strayed away from their original angered disposition. Diving into Light We Made’s inaugural track for the opener, “Midnight Zone,” Simmons’ threw his hands in the air and began to groove, as the crowd followed. He began to sing through a mic which crafted his voice into the exact way it sounded on the album, certainly Kanye West-style auto tune, but airy and intriguing all at once.

    “Spinning” came next, further conjuring fans to dance and get movin’ before TTWTWM’s “Tiny Raindrop” and “When I Come Undone.” “Void” awakened the violent finger pointing, mosh veterans and long-time fans of the band, conjuring nostalgia and angst from their very first studio album which segued nicely into “Fade,” another heavy hitter. “For A Walk” definitely sits in its own category, as it uses mainly electronic sounds and beats and only makes sense it was delivered to the Monty Hall crowd during the band’s most electronic set to date. “Postcard” was fun to see in a live setting, as Bailey originally tracked the song with electronic drums. If you’ve ever heard of Balance and Composure, you know “Quake,” which was instantly proven as all sang along and rocked their heads to the classic fan-favorite. Next, the group executed  “Run From Me,” giving fans another opportunity to hear their latest Record Store Day project before a bust out of the calming and emotionally charged “Stonehands.” “Notice Me” found the most audience praise and participation as the ending lyrics and title were shouted loudly in repetitive unison with Simmons.

    “Afterparty” came next to accurately sum up the night’s theme. With a group of what seemed to be intoxicated high school girls screaming “well that was fun!” rap music blaring over venue speakers between sets, the makeshift lineup and the care-free, party mentality that Simmons displayed, it truly felt like the song’s namesake. A penultimate deliverance of “Reflection” and a final encore of “I Tore You Apart in My Head” found all fans pushing directly to the front. Whether you entered the Balance and Composure fandom at the grungy, ground level, jumped in during TTWTWM’s experimentation or just came into their new-found electronic explorations, all fans found themselves layered against one another for the final track of the night.

    I’m not sure if it was the atypical line-up, or the self-preparation before the show that shaped this one of a kind experience, but toss all factors together into a neat package and the hour and ten minute set proved to be quite a unique one– and one I’ll never forget. Balance and Composure never fails to deliver.

    Setlist: Midnight Zone, Spinning, Tiny Raindrop, When I Come Undone, Void, Fade, For A Walk, Postcard, Quake, Run From Me, Stonehands, Notice Me, Afterparty, Reflection, I Tore You Apart in My Head

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