Grammy-nominated R&B sensation Fridayy is heading to New York City as part of his “A Night w Fridayy” tour. The Def Jam signee is in the midst of his first country-wide trek following the release of his self-titled debut-album in August of 2023. Moreover, the Haitian-bred singer will hit 4 major markets during a 4-date mini troop. Presented by Live Nation, the Philadelphia native will perform in four of the countries biggest markets, further establishing himself as a force in the industry. With this intention, the tour will begin with a sold-out show in Atlanta on Friday, December 1, followed by a two-night east coast run — icluding a hometown performance in Philadelphia’s Theater of Living Arts — and a stop at Manhattan’s Webster Hall. Altogether, “A Night w Fridayy” culminates with another sold-out show in Los Angeles.
Grammy-nominated Fridayy heading to Webster Hall on December 5
Fridayy’s Comeup
Following years laying groundwork, Fridayy gained mainstream traction with features on DJ Khaled’s “God Did” and Lil Baby’s “Forever,” with the former’s success earning him 3 Grammy-nominations. Since then, the R&B crooner has gone on to release his debut project while continuing to set personal milestones. Accordingly, he made his BET Soul Train Awards debut this past Sunday as he performed his latest single, “When It Comes To You.”
Cold War Kids have announced their new single “Another Name” off of their upcoming record Cold War Kids, their tenth record. The group also announced a headline tour in support of the record, with two nights at NYC’s Webster Hall.
Cold War Kids from California is made up of Nathan Willett (vocals, piano, guitar), Matt Maust (bass guitar), David Quon (guitar, backing vocals), Matthew Schwartz (keyboards, backing vocals, guitar, percussion), and Joe Plummer (drums, percussion). Since its inception nearly two decades ago, the group has garnered over one billion streams, adding to its eclectic catalog with its newest endeavor Cold War Kids.
“The band started out with four guys who have very specific tastes and styles, and now it’s mostly me making the records in a way I love and have always envisioned,” Willett says. “The sound of Cold War Kids has always been there, and I wanted this record to be the ideal, best version of all those things we’ve always been.” Instead of just releasing a five-song EP or an entirely different record, Willett took a breather and contemplated how the record should sound, infusing it with meaningful discourse about his life, and the state of the world.
The aptly self-titled result is perhaps the strongest and most well-rounded record Cold War Kids has ever produced. They previously shared their current single “Run Away With Me” which debuted at #33 on the AltRock charts. With its funky groove and huge chorus, the track sets the tone for the LP as a whole, featuring 12 high-minded, stylistically diverse songs referencing everything from Curtis Mayfield to the Pretenders and Elton John to Happy Mondays and Gang Of Four. They also released “Double Life,” which American Songwriter called “an energetic, shoulder-shaking new single.”
The album draws inspiration from the band’s blues-and-soul-driven past as well as fresh dance beats and 80s pop/rock. The themes of the record speak about Willett’s introspective state of mind and his reality. The newest single “Another Name” is an emotionally driven track, slow and melodic, speaking of heartbreak in a tear-jerking way.
This summer Cold War Kids were on the road as the direct support for Tears For Fears. Now, they are excited to announce a North American headline tour in support of Cold War Kids with dates kicking off in January. They will play at New York City’s Webster Hall on March 1 and 2. Tickets are on sale Friday, Sept 15th at 10 AM local time.
Cold War Kids tour dates
1/31 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore^
2/01 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom^
2/02 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre^
2/03 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre^
2/05 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory^
2/06 – Bozeman, MT – The ELM^
2/08 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen^
2/09 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre^
2/10 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre^
2/13 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom^
2/15 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues^
2/16 – Houston, TX – House of Blues^
2/17 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater^
2/23 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed#
2/24 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue#
2/26 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues#
2/27 – Toronto, ON – The Phoenix Concert Theatre#
2/28 – Boston, MA – House of Blues#
3/01 – New York, NY – Webster Hall#
3/02 – New York, NY – Webster Hall#
3/03 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore#
3/05 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club#
3/08 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz#
3/09 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre#
03/15 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post*
03/16 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst*
03/18 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park*
Declan McKenna, the enigmatic and thought-provoking indie-pop sensation, set the stage ablaze with two back-to-back shows in New York City as part of his “The Big Return” tour. On June 20, he graced the iconic Brooklyn Steel venue with his infectious energy and magnetic presence, captivating the audience with his genre-defying sound and heartfelt lyrics. The anticipation was palpable as fans eagerly awaited Declan’s performance, knowing they were in for an unforgettable night of music and connection.
The following evening, June 21, found Declan at Webster Hall in Manhattan, where he continued to weave his magic, leaving the crowd mesmerized by his electrifying performance. With each song, Declan’s authenticity and vulnerability shone through, forging an unbreakable bond between him and his adoring fans. These two shows were a testament to his undeniable talent and his ability to create an intimate and unforgettable experience for his audience.
Declan McKenna, the rising indie-pop sensation hailing from the UK, is making waves with his captivating blend of thought-provoking lyrics, infectious melodies, and undeniable charisma. With a musical journey that started at a young age, Declan’s eclectic upbringing exposed him to a wide range of influences, from classic rock to punk and indie music. This diverse palette has shaped his unique sound and sets him apart in the industry.
Declan burst onto the scene with his breakout single “Brazil” in 2015, which earned him widespread acclaim and attention for his sharp social commentary and clever songwriting. His debut album, What Do You Think About The Car? released in 2017, further solidified his position as a talented singer-songwriter with a distinctive voice.
Known for his insightful and introspective lyrics, Declan fearlessly addresses topics ranging from politics and societal issues to personal reflections on love and self-discovery. His ability to combine catchy pop hooks with meaningful storytelling has won the hearts of fans worldwide.
With each subsequent release, including the singles “British Bombs” and “Beautiful Faces,” Declan continues to captivate audiences and expand his musical horizons. His sophomore album, Zeros, released in 2020, showcased a more experimental and ambitious sound, further cementing his status as a genre-defying artist.
In addition to his musical prowess, Declan’s magnetic stage presence and engaging live performances have earned him a dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase. As Declan McKenna continues to evolve as an artist with recent hits such as “Sympathy”, he reaffirms his status as an exciting force in the music scene, capturing hearts with his authenticity, vulnerability, and undeniable talent.
With his finger on the pulse of the issues that resonate with today’s youth, Declan’s music speaks to a generation, making him a relevant and essential voice in the modern music landscape.
Declan McKenna’s electrifying performances at Brooklyn Steel and Webster Hall in New York City were nothing short of exhilarating. At Brooklyn Steel, a fan brought a stuffed Kermit the Frog plushie dressed as Declan, adding a whimsical touch to the show. During “Why Do You Feel So Down,” Declan took Kermit from the fan and playfully placed it on the speaker behind him. Later, during “Rapture,” he playfully threw Kermit into the air during a guitar breakdown, seamlessly blending fun and artistry.
Declan’s boundless energy was infectious throughout the shows. He shed his suit jacket, fully immersing himself in the music, and asked the crowd if they wanted to dance before launching into “Isombard.” The response was overwhelming, with fans flailing and dancing passionately in the back of the crowd and pressing against the barricade up front, trying to get as close to Declan as possible.
During “Sympathy,” the opener Eli Smart and his band joined Declan, playing tambourines and creating a church gospel choir vibe that had the crowd singing along with fervor. Declan’s skills on the keyboard were reminiscent of a piano virtuoso, adding another layer of talent to his already impressive performance.
The encores were equally electrifying, with Declan taking off his shirt while keeping on his tie, exuding feral rockstar vibes. His cover of “All Things Must Pass” by George Harrison showcased his guitar prowess, and during the guitar solo, he ventured off the stage, held up by the crowd in a moment of sheer rock ‘n’ roll energy.
The Webster Hall show was equally exhilarating, with Declan impressively leaping from piano to tambourine and back during “Isombard.” The crowd turned into a choir during the chorus of “Make Me Your Queen,” elevating the song’s emotional impact. Instead of the planned cover, Declan surprised the audience with “I’m the Man, That Will Find You,” by Connan Mockasin showcasing his versatility as an artist.
As the second encore began with “British Bombs,” Declan took the energy to a whole new level, executing one-legged spin jumps and rolling on the ground while passionately belting out the last chorus. The show ended with Declan being handed bouquets from the adoring crowd, which he graciously accepted and posed triumphantly.
Declan McKenna’s performances were nothing short of extraordinary, leaving the audience in awe of his talent, charisma, and sheer passion for his craft. With each song, he demonstrated his prowess as a musician and captivated the crowd with his authentic and unforgettable performances
Declan McKenna Setlist: The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home, Beautiful Faces, You Better Believe!!!, Be An Astronaut, My House, Why Do You Feel So Down, Humongous, Isombard, Daniel; You’re Still a Child, Rapture, Make Me Your Queen, Paracetamol, Twice Your Size, The Key to Life on Earth, Brazil, Sympathy
Brooklyn Steel Encore: All Things Must Pass (George Harrison cover), British Bombs
Webster Hall Encore: I’m the Man, That Will Find You (Connan Mockasin cover), British Bombs
Stay up to date with Declan on socials and any updates from the tour here.
On Thursday, April 20th the Fruit Bats returned to New York City, having not played on the island of Manhattan in three years. The East Village’s beloved Webster Hall slowly filled with an eclectic crowd.
Photograph by Emma Dowd
People of all ages mingled and spoke about their relationships to the band, as they sipped wine and other elixirs. The energy was timid and sweet, emulating the same experience the Fruit Bats create with their sound.
Photograph by Emma Dowd
Hums of conversation and the movement on the floor fell to a still hush when the openers, H.C. McEntire took to the stage. The lights glowed golden and a light fog rolled onto the crowd, as the lead singer transitioned the night into an experience. Slowly, each instrument organically introduced itself into the song. Multiple guitars, a bass guitar, and a percussion set melded together to create a culmination of bluegrass and folk. The audience was entranced as they drank in the band’s filling guitar riffs, and weighty vocals.
Photograph by Emma Dowd
When H.C. McEntire humbly exited the stage, they were rewarded with hoot and holler applause. After a half an hour set change, the Fruit Bats made their way onto stage. Each band member made themselves comfortable behind their instruments. The keyboardist, Frank LoCastro, even poured himself a tall glass of red wine. Multi-instrumentalist Josh Mease, bassist David Dawda, and drummer Josh Adams situated themselves as their lead singer, Eric Johnson, approached the mic. He greeted New York City warmly, expressing his gratitude for having returned to “the big island.”
The show commenced with Johnson’s raw voice dueting with the melody pulled by the guitar. The first lyric to be sung was from their song, “The Pet Parade”: Hello from me to all you out there. The crowd waved back to Johnson, their swaying hands casted a moving pattern of shadows across the notorious Webster velvet drapes that frame the stage.
The Fruit Bats’ sound felt like a location. It held a midwestern kindness that could not be missed, as they performed songs tributing their roots in Chicago, Illinois. Though, the music was transient. As Johnson told stories through his lyrics, the audience was brought along with him to his muses. The journey was a long one, given that the setlist expanded over a vast culmination of records dating back to 1997.
Photograph by Emma DowdPhotograph by Emma Dowd
The band performed songs from Johnson’s early career all through their newest record, “A River Running To Your Heart,” that was released last week. The record’s first debut to the world happened in New York City. Johnson asked if the crowd minded if they played something new. The audience welcomed the proposition with open arms and open minds, as they listened to the fresh record. He sang of “proverbial shame,” “chosen family,” and the thread of most albums “love.”
Photograph by Emma Dowd
The show concluded peacefully, the audience fulfilled and the Fruit Bats doused in gratification. Claps and utters of “thank you’s” vibrated in the crowd. Their goodbye was swift as they stilled their instruments and waved to their listeners as they made their way backstage. The stage emptied and the lights came on, but the crowd stayed awhile. Ushered to the bar, they stayed carrying on the story of the music they just heard.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra continued their four show run at New York City’s Webster Hall this past Friday night, April 14. Continuing through Sunday to complete their New York stop on The V Tour.
Throughout the night, the group led by Ruban Nielson, blasted through songs from all of their albums, self-titled to the recently released V.
The show slowly ramped up with only a solo keyboardist playing a minimal piano track, leading into the rest of the band coming out on stage to perform the newest album’s opener, The Garden. Some songs seamlessly transitioned between one another, leading to a perpetual sense of musical cohesion.
The whole night felt like a family get together. From the familial themes sung about on V to Ruban’s brother Kody on drums, even their Dad regularly emerging to play saxophone, among a variety of other brass instruments.
Alongside their original material, two memorable covers joined the setlist. The group played The Grateful Dead’s “Shakedown Street” and Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out,” the latter being a first. The band’s unique melding of psychedelia, rock, and funk blended astonishingly well with these two songs.
The V tour continues on in North America this week, concluding in Boston, before traveling overseas for the remainder of the summer.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra | Webster Hall | New York, NY | April 15, 2023
Setlist: The Garden, From the Sun / Secret Xtians, Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark), Weekend Run, The Opposite of Afternoon, Thought Ballune / Little Blu House, Necessary Evil / Monki, Ministry of Alienation, In the Rear View, Nadja, So Good at Being in Trouble / Waves of Confidence, Layla, Multi-Love
Encore: Meshuggah, Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead cover), Like Acid Rain, Movin’ Out (Billy Joel cover), That Life, Hunnybee, Can’t Keep Checking My Phone
(Note: The tour had a film-only policy for photographers)
Mike Gordon has announced a new solo album, Flying Games, along with June and July tour dates, bringing him to Webster Hall in Manhattan and Town Ballroom in Buffalo.
Photo Credit: Rene Huemer
Flying Games (ATO Records/Megaplum) will be released on Friday, May 12 and is produced by Gordon, recorded by longtime collaborator Jared Slomoff, and mixed by GRAMMY-winning engineer Shawn Everett (Alabama Shakes, The War on Drugs).
For me Tilting is about being in a situation or a relationship where you don’t know if your footing is solid, but then accepting that and realizing you enjoy the feeling of disorientation. Whether it’s playing music or driving or experiencing something new, I’ve always felt more present when I don’t know where I’m going next.
The eclectic sixth solo LP from Mike Gordon, Flying Games is an album of constant and wildly hypnotic movement, each moment animated by unexpected sounds that morph and expand and spin off into their own strange orbits. Flying Games follows Gordon’s most recent solo works, 2020’s Noon and 2017’s OGOGO. The LP imbues elements of everything from disco and dancehall to psych-folk and funk into Gordon’s unfettered and expansive breed of rock music.
To create Flying Games, the Vermont-based Gordon spent much of 2020’s lockdown and – writing and recording in his makeshift Megaplum home studio, immersing himself in sonic experiments ranging from the playfully spontaneous (constructing beats by banging wrenches against various pieces of farming equipment) to the hyper-specific and technical (programming a keyboard with chords sampled from’50s-era Hawaiian guitar records).
As the songs became more fully formed, Gordon brought in contributions from his bandmates, drummer John Kimock, keyboardist Robert Walter, percussionist Craig Myers, and guitarist/pedal-steel player Scott Murawski, all of whom submitted parts from afar which were then woven by Gordon and Slomoff into the initial tracks. Revealing entirely new dimensions of the kaleidoscopic musicianship Gordon has displayed as Phish’s bassist for the last four decades, the result is a work of both extraordinary vision and daring execution.
As someone who comes from a world of telepathic improvisation, the idea of one person layering sounds alone in a room might seem a bit against the mythos. But with this record I didn’t want to work in that traditional way of going into a studio with a band and recording for two weeks; I wanted to take my time and explore, and really go deep into the fabric of the music to see what we could find.
Mike Gordon
Gordon, bassist for Phish, will celebrate the release of Flying Games with a tour that includes headline shows and performances at Peach, Northlands and Blue Ox festivals. Tickets for all newly announced headline dates go on sale Friday, March 17 with pre-sales underway.
The catalog of legendary alternative hip hop group De La Soul is now available for streaming, ending years of legal wrangling that left the Amityville trio’s musical legacy unheard by the masses.
To celebrate the occasion, and the life of the late Dave Jolicoeur, Trugoy the Dove, The Da.i.s.y Experience was held at Webster Hall on Thursday, March 2. This free event was RSVP only for those lucky enough to score a spot on the list, and featured Dave Chappelle, Queen Latifah, Q-Tip, Common, D-Nice, Talib Kweli, Busta Rhymes, Kid Capri and many more come through and celebrate.
DA.I.S.Y. is an acronym for “Da Inner Sound Y’all,” one that fans of De La Soul are familiar with. During the show, “immersive activation” transformed Webster Hall into a De La destination, utilizing artwork from their classic debut 3 Feet High and Rising. Additional performers included DJs Stretch Armstrong, Clark Kent, Rich Medina, and Tony Touch, as well as De La Soul members Posdnuos and Maseo.
Also this week, De La Soul took fans behind the scenes of the official music video for “Me, Myself and I,” in the latest installment of Vevo Footnotes.
During the episode, Posdnuos discussed the creation of their iconic song, and how it allowed the group to address negative media labels. He highlights how the ‘Twilight Zone’ influenced the video’s opening segment with producer Prince Paul and their comedic approach to the video, playing off their hip-hop style. He explains the video aimed to underscore individuality and confidence, and Posdnuos suggests that if they remade the video today, they might focus on inner growth instead of external independence. He also shares a standout memory from the video’s scene with teacher Def Beat, and reveals that Ali Shaheed Muhammad from A Tribe Called Quest wrote “De La Sucks” on the bathroom wall.
On Sunday, the band shared “Dear Dave,” a note to the fallen member, Dave Jolicoeur, aka Trugoy the Dove. The band reflected on the untimely passing, just as the catalog was made available to fans.
Dear Dave,
You were the heart of our group. You brought so much creativity, energy, and passion to our music, and your influence will be felt for years to come.
Your passing is a great loss not only to us, but also to the entire hip-hop community. You were a true artist who used music to inspire and uplift others, and you will be deeply missed by all who knew you.
This is heavy on our hearts and minds but we are smiling and even laughing at all the great times we shared with you. As we attempt to navigate this world without you, we stand grateful and proud of all you accomplished on this earth.
We would like to say thank you Dave for being a big brother. Thank you for being a friend. Thank you for the wise words placed in your verses. Thank you for the music you produced that is loved by so many. Thank you for never wanting to compromise the quality of our brand. Thank you for helping us become a group that will remain etched in the timeline of hip hop culture as well as the fabric of music and for now on when we perform “Ring Ring Ring Ha Ha Hey” we will say “2-2-2-2-222 we got an angel in heaven who can talk to you”.
We love you Dave and thank you Dave!
Everyone, please celebrate the life and legacy of Dave Jolicoeur, Trugoy the Dove, Plug 2, Dave.
Our music is now available digitally on all streaming services now! We did it Dave!
On Friday, February 10th, Gen-Z pop icon Claire Rosinkranz played at Manhattan venue Webster Hall as a stop on her Just Because Tour. With support from her openers Mehro and DWLLRS, there was an energetic and excited vibe as fans started lining up as early as 2pm for the show. The infectious energy built up and carried throughout the entire night.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Mehro opened the show with his hit “pirate song”, crooning into the mic as fans in the front row swooned. Mehro is an alt-pop singer/songwriter who released his debut single during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, and he’s recognized for a string of viral hits, including “chance with you” and “hideous” (both of which he played).
Mehro Setlist: Pirate Song, Hideous, Wh*re, Chance With You
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Right after Mehro, DWLLRS (made up of Bren Eisman and Joey Spurgeon) began their set. This Californian duo hail from the sleepy beach town of San Clemente, California. Having taken the city’s sunny surf rock and mixed it with neo-soul and alternative-indie beats, the duo creates a diverse sonic palette driven by forward-thinking alt-pop. Utilizing a range of production techniques and carefully crafted songwriting, DWLLRS music evokes feelings of existentialism, nostalgia, and heartbreak – which was all very apparent from the crowd reactions. It was an incredible beginning to the show, with the energy levels increasing with each passing minute.
DWLLRS Setlist: Beauty Rains, Iced Coffee, Dividends, Driving (unreleased), You’re Gonna Cry, End Of It All, Blue Spirits, Float Through The Ceiling
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
By the time Claire Rosinkranz hit the stage, the crowd was thoroughly warmed up and buzzing with excitement. Claire is a 19-year-old singer/songwriter from California who makes music with her father. After releasing her music on social media, Rosinkranz was signed to Republic Records at the age of 16. She had her breakthrough in 2020 with her single “Backyard Boy” from her debut EP “BeVerly Hills BoYfRiEnd.”
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Her set began when her band fiddled with an alarm clock, changing channels from static to Taylor Swift. Suddenly, Claire runs on stage and unplugs the clock. Her band takes their places, with her father on the bass, and Claire launches into “Backyard Boy.”
She showcased her musical prowess by leaping across the stage as she performed her heart out. Sporting a stylish new skirt, created by her fellow social media icon Joe Ando, who also attended the show.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Throughout the show, her moxie and vivacious spirit infected the crowd as she busted out some dance moves and wished a fan a happy birthday. By the time the show came to a close, Claire left the crowd with a liveliness and buzz that defines a Claire Rosinkranz concert.
Claire Rosinkranz Setlist: Backyard Boy, i h8 that i still feel bad for u, Sad in Hawaii, dreamer, pools and palm dreams, never goes away, 123, i’m too pretty for this, Polarized, don’t miss me, wes anderson, banksy, screw time, Boy in a Billion, Frankenstein, swinging at the stars, Pretty Little Things
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Be sure to keep up with all these artists on socials, especially since there are some shows that just can’t be missed!
Mehro and DWLLRS are still touring with Claire, and the tour ends on March 11th in Los Angeles. Keep an eye on their social media for any new show announcements.
Photograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
On Friday, February 8th, Fitz and the Tantrums stopped by the beloved Webster Hall during their “Let Yourself Free” tour. From the moment Fitz and his talented band took the stage, the crowd was swept away by their electrifying performance. Supported by 20-year-old Sammy Rash all tour, the show had a mix of upbeat pop and rock, animating and electrifying the crowd.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Originally only supposed to support Fitz and the Tantrums on their California dates (San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento), Sammy Rash is a chill pop artist who makes music in his garage. While relatively new to the music sector, he’s already garnered an extremely loyal fanbase of over 1.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify over the past 2 years. He plans on dropping more indie beach pop singles every month and has already released 2 songs this year.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Fitz and the Tantrums are an American indie pop and neo soul band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2008. With the soulful and powerful vocals of Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs had everyone on their feet, dancing along with the rest of the crowd.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
With a mix of upbeat pop, rock, and soul, the bands energy kept everyone moving and enthusiastic all night long. The colorful lights and dynamic stage presence of the band created an atmosphere that felt like a high-energy carnival. With each song, the crowd grew more and more animated, clapping, singing, and jumping along to the beat. Playing some of their most notable songs like “Out of My Leauge” and “Livin’ for the Weekend”, the concert was the perfect place to let loose, dance, and revel in the joy of music.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Sammy is still touring with Fitz and the Tantrums, and the tour ends on February 16th in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Keep an eye on their social media for any new show announcements.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Sammy Rash Setlist: bad day, best friends, Replay [Iyaz cover], smile more, winter
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Fitz and The Tantrums Webster Hall Setlist: Sway, Heaven, OCD, Good Intentions, 123456, Complicated, Out of My League, Livin’ for the Weekend, Fool, MoneyMaker, 6AM, Silver Platter, Let Yourself Free, I Just Wanna Shine, All the Feels, The Walker
Photograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Post-hardcore collective The Sound of Animals Fighting rolled through Webster Hall this past Saturday, January 21st, for the penultimate show on their 2023 winter tour. The tour comes fresh off the release of their new EP, and first new music in 15 years, Apeshit. These shows mark the band’s only fourth ever tour, but the hardcore supergroup were in fine form Saturday night as the eight-piece collective constantly shifted roles and personnel throughout the night.
The Sound of Animals Fighting at Webster Hall, 1/21/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
The Sound of Animals Fighting have always existed behind shroud and mystery, famously doing their original press photos wearing animal masks and only identifying the band members via their animal monikers. While the core lineup has not been a mystery in a long time, the band has a new permutation of their rotating personnel for this era. Vocalist Anthony Green (Circa Survive, Saosin, L.S. Dunes) anchors the band with his soaring, melodic vocal style backed by RX Bandits members Rich Balling, Matt Embree, Steve Choi, and Chris Tsagakis. Rounding out the Apeshit lineup is Keith Goodwin (Days Away, Good Old War), Matthew Kelly (The Autumns), and Jonathan Hischke.
Anthony Green, The Sound of Animals Fighting at Webster Hall, 1/21/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
On Apeshit, The Sound of Animals Fighting dial back the atmosphere and cinematic elements of their style in favor of more straight forward and in-your-face post hardcore. Standout track “Sharon Tate, Despite Everything” comes in waves; Rich Balling drones over a dark and melodic instrumental with sporadic drumming then Anthony Green barges in screaming out a long “Sharon Tate…” as the song takes on a more formal post-hardcore progression. The two sections blend together as the song progresses, creating one of the most interesting songs in the genre in some time. The title track kicks off the EP with a relentless hardcore presentation and technical, near math rock guitar and rhythm sections. Things slow down a bit on “Wolf”, with swirling and distorted synths backed by electronic drum kicks before the EP closes with “Duche Das”, most reminiscent of the interludes on 2007’s Tiger and The Duke.
Rich Balling of The Sound of Animals Fighting, Webster Hall, 1/21/23. Photo by Joseph Buscarello
With the tour over, and the EP released, the future is uncertain for The Sound of Animals Fighting. The band has only toured four times since their debut in 2005 and all of their members are active in many other projects. Anthony Green himself has seen a resurgence in recent years, forming new band L.S. Dunes (who are fresh off a debut LP and tour) and remaining active in Saosin. While Circa Survive is currently on hiatus, you never know what Green will embark on next.
The passion and cohesiveness of The Sound of Animals Fighting was top tier at Webster Hall this past weekend. The band performs as if they have been on regular tour for 15 years and the energy and engagement with the crowd was palpable. While we wait and see what the future holds, we can rest assured that we just witnessed one of the best post-hardcore tours in recent memory. Check out the full photo gallery from Webster Hall below.
The Sound of Animals Fighting, Webster Hall 1/21/2023
Setlist: Wolf, Apeshit, I, The Swan, Act I: Chasing Suns, Act II: All Is Ash or the Light Shining Through It, This Heat, My Horse Must Lose, Another Leather Lung, Blessings Be Yours Mister V, On The Occasion of Wet Snow, The Heretic, Act III: Modulate Back To The Tonic, Act IV: You Don’t Need A Witness
Encore: The Heraldic Beak Of The Manufacturer’s Medallion, Skullflower, Stockhausen, es ist Ihr Gehrin das ich suche, Sharon Tate, Despite Everything
