NYS Music 2024

Category: Alternative/Indie

  • Levitation Room Lifts Off in Troy

    A night after receiving a warm welcome at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, genre-bending psych rockers Levitation Room brought their cosmic vibes up the Thruway to Troy’s No Fun on Tuesday, May 14. Delivering a captivating performance that took listeners to the other side and carefully back, the gravity-defying band showcased exactly why they’ve emerged as one of the leaders of their genre. Playing mostly songs from the recently released album Strange Weather, the cool cats from California made a colorful impression that first-time listeners won’t soon forget.  

    Kicking off the evening with Bob Forget of Schenectady’s The Abyssmals playing his first solo set, followed by a short, high energy set by the local rock trio Stroma, Levitation Room casually took the stage around 10pm. Getting their fingers loose with the technical and shifting rhythms of the opening instrumental “Pintura,” Levitation Room quickly found their groove with back-to-back bangers from their 2019 breakout album Headspace, “Warmth of the Sun” and “2025.”

    “I wonder if I’ll be living
    In the year 2025
    You know my futures uncertain
    I’m losing grip all the time”

    Lyrics from 2025

    Led by front man Julian Porte on vocals and guitar, alongside Gabriel Fernandez on guitar, Johnathan Martin on drums and Kevin Perez on bass, one look at this band and you could just tell they “weren’t from around here.” Casually dressed in retro threads, the music itself also sounded like a bit of a throwback. Blurring the lines of psych-rock, garage and surreal pop, every song felt catchy, like it could be a radio single, and it made you wonder why these guys aren’t more well known.

    Levitation Room performing in Troy, NY 5-14-24.

    Far from a “new band”, the East Lost Angeles quartet has been around for nearly a decade now. Carving out a niche in the psychedelic-rock realm and releasing three full length studio albums, it’s perhaps their harrowing experiences from the road that have earned Levitation Room the most publicity. Whether that be coming face-to-face with an alleged U.F.O. while passing through Arizona, or a terrifying incident in 2022 when members of the band were allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint, dosed with unknown hallucinogens, and robbed of all their equipment, Levitation Room has somehow soldiered on and continued making great music. Making their Troy debut on this Tuesday night, the band briefly paused to introduce themselves and invite the crowd of mostly twenty-somethings to come closer to the stage.

    Levitation Room’s Julian Porte performing in Troy, NY 5-14-24.

    After taking “Mr. Polydactyl Cat” for a walk around the block, Kevin Perez’s infectious bass lines on “Cool It, Baby,” were so mesmerizing and playful that it nearly overshadowed the songs’ more serious lyrical themes.  Such was also the case on the follow-up song “Grand Illusion (Expectations), where the far-out pop sound seemed to mask the existential questioning of Porte’s words.

    Raise your glass, move your feet
    Are you dead or asleep?
    Talking heads on the screen
    Keeps you stuck in the dream
    Where the rat race is rigged
    And the presidents picked
    By the bankers who lend
    All that money you spend

    And I said cool it, baby

    Lyrics from Cool It, Baby

    Further captivating the audience by switching gears and showing off their tender side with a pair of love songs “Heaven,” and the well-received “Ooh Child,”  the waves of emotion swelled up like an ocean when Levitation Room uncorked what was perhaps the highlight of the set, an extended take on “Revelations,” a song about living in the moment, that saw the band firing on all cylinders and jumping around the stage, while guitarist Gabriel Fernandez navigated through a bevy of effects pedals during the song’s incendiary solo. It was refreshing to see the guys cutting loose, having fun and believing in what they were doing. 

    Levitation Room performing in Troy, NY 5-14-24.

    After reminding the audience to be weary of the CIA, FBI, and NSA keeping tabs on YOU during “The Other Side,” Levitation Room casually eased into their most well-known single, “Friends,” from their debut 2015 EP Minds of Our Own before the equally hypnotic and dreamy vibe of “Immoral Love” sent the entire room into a blissed-out trance.  Bathed in abstract visual projections and peering through a pair of old school 3-D glasses, the cool and steady hands of drummer Johnathan Martin mesmerized all evening long. Shifting tempos and playing up their strengths, “Loved” snapped the crowd out of it before the title track of “Strange Weather” brought the main portion of our sonic odyssey to a close. 

    Watch fan shoot footage of Levitation Room performing “Reasons Why” in Troy, NY 5-14-24.

    After walking off stage to an enthusiastic ovation, the band decided to treat the crowd to one more song, choosing “Reasons Why” as the lone encore of the evening, bringing the colorfully cathartic, rewarding and fun performance to a close.  Afterwards, the band could be found at the merch table taking selfies and signing records for the dozens of new fans they’d just won over.  No rest for the weary, Levitation Room would find themselves playing gigs in Canada less than 24 hours later. 

    Taking place at No Fun in Troy, it’s easy to be fooled by the venue’s tongue-in-cheek name.  A beacon for Capital Region counterculture since opening their doors in December 2021, the heady, 200 person capacity club known for its DIY punk-rock atmosphere and excellent craft beer selection, No Fun has proven to consistently contradict itself.  Booking bands you won’t find anywhere else and holding events nearly every night of the week, it’s shows like Levitation Room on a Tuesday night that stand out as making the place truly special. That’s why when the venue suddenly announced it’s looking for a new owner and operator this week it, it sent shockwaves through the local music community. Claiming a “work life balance thing” as the reason with a listing of $149,000,  the current owner wants it to be clear, No Fun is NOT closing, but rather opening the doors of opportunity for someone with the same spirit and passion to take over.  Stay tuned to NYS Music as we will be sure to keep you up to date on this developing story.

    Levitation Room | May 14th, 2024 | Troy, NY | No Fun

    Setlist: Pintura, Warmth of the Sun, 2025, Mr. Polydactyl Cat, Cool It, Baby, Grand Illusion (Expectations), Heaven, Ooh Child, Revelations, The Other Side, Friends, Immortal Love, Loved, Strange Weather

    Encore: Reasons Why

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    Bob Forget (of Abyssmals) | May 14th, 2024 | Troy, NY | No Fun | First Solo Set

    Stroma | May 14th, 2024 | Troy, NY | No Fun

  • Enrose Shares Empowering Message on New Single, “My Happiness”

    Enrose took a break from touring to record and release their new single, “My Happiness”. Led by Gabi Rose, the New York based band explored life’s challenges and how we face them. Sonically, the single is reminiscent of late ’90s early 2000s alt-rock, with a sax chorus, upbeat rhythm, and synth solo.

    The lyrics delve into life’s darkest moments, and the power we have to overcome them. Rose describes the desperation on continuing to survive while at rock bottom, singing, “Been surviving this long on dangerously low gasoline… How dumb, you only come and call when you’re needing me?”. Rose questions why she only takes care of herself when it’s too late, reminding herself, “that girl I’m talking to/ my happiness depends on you”.

    Erose originated in basement parties and house shows, and paid homage to their roots in the “My Happiness” music video. The video features Rose talking to herself in the mirror, representing the song’s internal monologue perspective. The video also features a high energy performance by the band, surrounded by friends.

    Enrose “My Happiness” represents a nostalgia that has become increasingly popular, a return to pop-rock of the late ’90s. The infectious chorus, along with the emotional lyrics, draw listeners in and do not disappoint. The optimistic message is refreshing, and delivered in an honest and sincere way. The high energy performance in the music video solidifies Enrose’s reputation as dynamic performers, in addition to skilled artists.

    Enrose is performing at the Great South Bay Music Festival on July 19th. Tickets can be found at the following link, and a 10% discount is available with code “ROSE”.

  • NYC Legends The Bogmen return with album In My Kingdom


    Following a 26 year hiatus, NYC alternative band, The Bogmen have returned with their third album In My Kingdom. The Bogmen will release In My Kingdom on May 31. 

    The Bogmen

    Singer Billy Campion and brothers Billy and Brendan Ryan formed The Bogmen in 1990, united by a love of alternative, soul, and afrobeat. The group toured clubs, colleges, and venues around the NYC metro, forging a devoted cult following. Their 1994 debut Life Begins at 40 Million produced by Talking Heads keyboardist-guitarist Jerry Harrison, propelled The Bogmen into stardom. Throughout the 90s, they toured with legends like Shane McGowan, The Barenaked Ladies and Patti Smith, selling out national venues across the country. 

    Despite their success, the band broke up in 1998, citing frustration with the music industry and creative differences. For the next two decades, the band members’ lives were marked with hardship. Brendan Ryan’s wife died in the 9/11 attacks and other members continued to struggle with addiction and the music business. Despite this hardship, the band continued to sporadically reunite for live shows and EPs before breaking up again. The pandemic ironically brought the group back together, with its members falling back on music to cope with the chaos of lockdown. Following the loss of a close friend, they reunited to write a host of new songs. Those pandemic-era songs make up their new album In My Kingdom. 

    In My Kingdom is an ambitious collection of tracks, blending alternative, pop, and country. The album’s lyrical themes highlight a wiser Bogmen, tempered with age. Themes tackle ideas of looking back at your youth, wanting to connect with nature, and wanting to get out in the world. With this mature instrumentation and lyricism, The Bogmen return at the top of their musical game.

    The album begins slowly with the title track “In My Kingdom.” The track eases in with a spoken word intro, building a utopian setting for the rest of the album. Singer Billy Campion invites the saints, prophets, and Gods of various religions into his kingdom, setting the stage for the album’s more introspective mood. The track slowly grows into a smooth rock song propelled by warm synths and clean guitars. The lyrics reflect the band’s return during Covid, discussing hope for the future in a world full of anxiety. With this opener, The Bogmen prove that they still have the groove of their debut, but with more mature lyricism to propel them into this new era of their career. 

    The standout of the album is single “Summer of Soul”, a triumphant announcement of the band’s return. Crafted during the height of Covid, and inspired by the isolation and loss of a friend, the track contains heavy lyricism. Campion sings “One thing that I love is being born again, out here on the sea. You need a helping hand, so throw me the rope, I promise not to hang myself.” Despite dark lyrics, the song is overall hopeful for a reemergence into the world, appreciating life’s beauty. A dreamy reverb guitar and piano intro, and lush instrumentation throughout really make this anthem stand out. 

    The album’s rich lyricism and genre bending aren’t restricted to its singles. “Life on the Ranch” is a track deeply indebted to the outlaw country of Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash. With a driving acoustic backing, aided by clean electric guitar and horns, the song is a real pleasure to listen to. Its lyrics cleverly parallel someone running from their problemsnwith a Western bandit running from the law. Another great track was “Pandemic Blues.” Despite its name, the track is not blues, but rather a motown-inspired soul tune, driven by catchy horns. The song uses Covid-19 as a metaphor for being alone in love. The narrator wishes he could just walk out the door to find love, but is instead trapped dancing alone in his room. Album tracks like these illustrate the Bogmen’s success in cross-genre experiments and deep lyricism.

    The Bogmen close out the album with a re-recording of “Raga” from their debut album. This remake is truly jubilant, crafting a celebratory, vibrant atmosphere around it. Incorporating Latin rhythms, choral vocals, and dancy instrumentation, the song is a really enjoyable sendoff. If anything, this song illustrates the band’s growth more than any other, matching the energy of the original but with more fleshed-out production and instrumentation. Overall, In My Kingdom is a testament to The Bogmen’s musical staying power, retaining the energy of their 90s output, but with clear signs of growth. 

    The Bogmen will release their return album In My Kingdom on Friday, May 31st, 2024. To accompany its release, they will perform a release show at Manhattan’s Irving Plaza. The show, set for May 30th at 7:00 PM, will feature The Bogmen accompanied by Indie-Rockers Pan Arcadia. In addition, The Bogmen have released music videos to accompany the album’s three singles, which can be viewed at their youtube page here.

    More information on the release of In My Kingdom and future shows can be found at The Bogmen’s website here.

  • Totten Bridge Releases Powerful New Single, “Seasons Change”

    Rising Pop-Rock artist Totten Bridge pulls on fans’ heartstrings with his latest single, “Seasons Change.” Motivated by the loss of his mother, the New York artist drew inspiration from Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird.”

    Times of difficulty have been a catalyst of inspiration for Totten Bridge, whose career began during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Defying categorization, the NYC-based artist draws inspiration from Alt-Pop, infused with folk, EDM, and American Heartland influences. Totten Bridge has received critical acclaim from numerous publications, including Clash, Notion, and Earmilk. Totten Bridge’s poetic lyrics explore universal themes of life, love, and in the case of “Seasons Change,” loss.

    In the face of grief, “Seasons Change” offers a refreshingly optimistic perspective. Totten Bridge revealed his desire for the song to be a call to action, saying, “I wanted ‘Seasons Change’ to feel powerful and cause someone to… [embrace] change and [overcome] their fears.” “Seasons Change” shifts focus to the future, encouraging listeners to focus on what is to come and overcoming life’s challenges. The infectious beat and anthemic chorus promises listeners “long winding roads will lead the way”.

    The influence of Fleetwood Mac is apparent in the personal lyrics and strong message. Speaking to universal experiences of love and loss, Totten Bridge successfully resonates with listeners’ emotions. The driving beat and gripping chorus draw listeners in and demand full attention. Change is one of the few certainties in life, and “Seasons Change” empathizes with fear while encouraging optimism.

  • Second Annual Meadowlark Festival Confirms Lineup

    Meadowlark Festival — the Stone Ridge, NY three-day festival of indie, roots, and countercultural music that benefits farmers in Hudson Valley and nationwide — confirms its lineup for its 2024 fall festival.

    Set for September 13-15, the 3-day event will feature performances from indie rock icons Blonde Redhead, NPR Tiny Desk concert alum and Hudson Valley artist Laura Stevenson, NYC garage rockers and Yep Roc artists Daddy Long Legs, Kentucky songwriter Joan Shelley, Boston Music Award-nominated blues guitarist Ryan Lee Crosby, the “sweetly flavored folk-pop” music of Fruit Bats, WXPN-named “Artist to Watch” Slaughter Beach, Dog, Newport Folk Fest favorites Deer Tick, the psychedelic space rock of KidBess & The Magic Ring, along with Honeycrush and Lulu Lewis. Also performing are the “first couple of Americana” Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, and artsy Manhattan garage-rockers Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage, with a special guest set for reveal as the festival draws closer.

    Lineup for the 2nd annual Meadowlark Festival revealed

    All in all, the 2nd annual Meadowlark Festival continues to garner support for farmers local and nationwide and supports organizations who are aligned with the values of promoting food security and advocacy for local farms. These organizations include Farm Aid, Rondout Valley Growers Association (RVGA), and Hudson Valley Center For Food, Culture & Agriculture. The festival takes place at Stone Ridge Orchard & Farmers Market, a 200-year-old working farm on 115 acres.

    Moreover, tickets for Meadowlark Fest 2024 are on sale on the festival website, with prices ranging from an early bird special and day-of pricing. For instance, a 1-Day general admission early bird ticket costs $70, but will be $100 on the day of, with similar rules set for parking passes.

    Meadowlark Festival will take place at Stone Ridge Orchard & Farmer's Market.
    Meadowlark Festival to take place at Stone Ridge Orchard & Farmer’s Market

    Additionally, Meadowlark Fest will feature local artisans, food vendors, award-winning artisanal hard apple ciders, and more with more details to come. Less than two hours north of New York City and a twenty-minute car ride from the Kingston Metro North railroad station, Stone Ridge Orchard and Farmers Market in the scenic Roundout Valley sits between the Shawangunk Ridge and the Catskill mountain range in the Hudson Valley region.

  • Graham Nash Brings ‘More Evenings of Songs and Stories’ To Carnegie Hall This Fall with Special Guest Judy Collins

    Legendary musician Graham Nash will be bringing his “Graham Nash – More Evenings of Songs and Stories” tour to the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at the historic Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, October 1. Set for an 8:00 p.m. start time, Nash, a founding member of both The Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash, will be performing a body of work spanning over six decades that includes a litany of monumental recordings.

    Graham Nash to perform at Carnegie Hall
    Graham Nash to bring ‘More Evenings of Songs and Stories’ tout to Carnegie Hall

    Additionally, the Carnegie Hall audience will be treated to a special guest in Judy Collins, whose own legendary body work spans more than seven decades. In light of his special performance tickets have already gone on sale on the Carnegie Hall official website. Ticket prices range from $69, $89, $99 and $149.

    Graham Nash will be bringing Judy Collins on stage as a special guest at Carnegie Hall
    Judy Collins’ legendary career has seen her remain active for over seven decades

    Moreover, Nash offered a preview to the midtown-Manhattan venue’s crowd making an unannounced appearance at Crosby, Stills, and Nash tribute concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall on Monday, May 13. Although Nash wasn’t officially on the bill, he came out at the end of the night to perform a moving rendition of “Our House.”

    For his part, Nash is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee who has seen rock history unfold at some of its seminal moments. After all the Blackpool-bred musician began making history during the launch of the British Invasion with his work with CSN, while perfecting his craft during the birth of the Laurel Canyon movement a year later. An extraordinary Grammy Award winning renaissance artist – and self-described “simple man” – Nash has contributed a wealth of songs to the soundtrack of our lives. Moreover, the “I Used to Be a King” singer is a two-time inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, for his work with CSN and his work as a solo artist.

    Similarly, the eternal Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism throughout her extensive career. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence continues to shine brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 55-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century.

  • NYC Indie Singer Nikita Lev Releases Single “We All Die Anyway”

    Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Nikita Lev has released her new single “We All Die Anyway” on May 15. This single comes in the leadup to a new EP and her first European tour in the fall. 

    Lev’s musical instincts began at a young age. Coming from a family of chamber musicians, music surrounded Lev since childhood. As a result, during her youth on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, she quickly picked up piano and flute.

    The Cover for Nikita Lev's new single "We All Die Anyway"
    Nikita Lev

    By the time her family relocated to Westchester, she had learned guitar and begun writing songs. Lev says “I always know what I’m going to say first and the melody comes later,” using her musical chops to back up her deep lyrical narratives. To date, Lev has written over 200 songs that are “evocative, relatable, universal, yet ambiguous.”

    Lev’s music has quickly gained renown from both radio and print media. Her debut single “Elegance” was highlighted by both SiriusXM and MTV’s Spankin’ New. Additionally, publications like the LA Music Review and Earmilk have showcased Lev’s songs.

    Her new single “We All Die Anyway” is a highlight of the indie folk genre. Lev is accompanied by gentle fingerpicked guitars, trip-hop influenced drums and eerie synths. This dreamy instrumentation backs up Lev’s soft, emotional vocals and mature lyricism. The song tackles a relationship gone cold, and the feelings that accompany having to leave someone you cared about. Her meaningful and clever songwriting is reminiscent of indie icons like Lana Del Ray, and Phoebe Bridgers.

    This single comes just after her May 10 release of the music video for “Now I Think Of You Unspeakably.” The song’s lyrics touch on the pains of being in love with someone who does not feel the same. Driving drums and growing distorted guitars back up the song’s heavy lyricism, adding an edge to the acoustic instrumentation. The video features Lev dancing around a bonfire in a winter scene. Its atmosphere matches with the instrumentals and lyrics that all aid in a simultaneously warm yet icy feeling. Michael Rees directed the video, following collaborations with Charli XCX and The Kid LARoi. 

    This new single is just the start of a busy Summer and Fall for Lev. Later this year, she will release her first EP, titled Clearly Misunderstood. The EP’s songs will tackle the theme of the conflict between adult responsibilities and youthful independence. In November, Lev will depart for Europe for a tour stopping in Berlin and Vienna. 

    For more information, visit Nikita Lev’s website here.

  • In Focus: Albany’s 2024 Tulip Festival

    Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, 2024 in Albany, Washington Park was alive with families, tulips, and great music from bands on two stages at the 76th Annual Tulip Festival. 

    With weather that held out to provide a nearly dry weekend, Washington Park was alive with Catskill group Of The Atlas, Prince Daddy and The Hyena, and The Front Bottoms on the main stage, while over on WEXT’S 518 Stage, local bands Side B, Sofia Corts, Camtron5000 and The Insolent Willies entertained masses of crowds throughout the day.

  • Brooklyn’s Union Pool announces Summer Thunder Artist Lineup

    Union Pool in Williamsburg, Brooklyn has announced the artist lineup for its free Summer Thunder concert series. The 2024 lineup offers concert-goers an amazing variety of shows ranging from punk and psychedelic to Latin and underground hip-hop.

    The official 2024 Summer Thunder poster featuring the season's artist lineup

    The 12th annual Summer Thunder series will begin on June 2nd with a show by Boston indie-rockers Guerilla Toss. For the rest of the summer until August 28, Union Pool will host daytime concerts each Sunday. Concerts take place at Union Pool’s patio, a chic and manicured yet comfortable outdoor space. In addition to music, concert-goers can purchase a host of drinks inside Union Pool, as well as Mexican food from the patio’s El Diablo Taco Truck.

    Union pool has been a staple of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood since it opened in 2000. It started as a quaint corner bar, offering drinks and darts, but quickly grew into one of Brooklyn’s major entertainment hubs. Hidden under the shadow of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the venue offers DJ sets, live shows and a host of other amenities.

    2024’s Summer Thunder series offers a wide variety of musical styles, featuring artists from around the country. On top of the aforementioned Guerilla Toss, indie rockers like Rosali, Lifeguard and Mary Timony will perform. On June 9, Chicago’s Bitchin Bajas will craft psychedelic soundscapes with their noisy, Krautrock-influenced sound. For lovers of Latin music, Tucson-based Los Esplifs will perform their signature lo-fi Latin pop. Psychedelic supergroup Winged Wheel will perform, featuring Sonic Youth’s legendary drummer Steve Shelley. Additionally, legendary punk singer-guitarist Kid Congo Powers will grace Union Pool on August 18. His signature style led him to success in The Cramps, The Gun Club and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

    The summer series will notably feature both establish and up-and coming New York-based acts. Up-and-coming NYC rap duo Armand Hammer will perform on June 23. The group, consisting of Billy Woods and Elucid, has risen to prominence off the back of their raucous production and deep lyricism. Brooklyn Vegan named their latest album We Buy Diabetic Test Strips as the 2nd best album of 2023.

    Joe Bataan, a legendary Latin soul singer from Harlem, will perform on July 7. Garnering hits since the 1960s, Bataan melds Latin Jazz, funk, R&B, and salsa to create his signature sound. In addition to his Latin soul hits, Bataan also helped to spearhead rap, with his song “Rap-O Clap-O” being one of the earliest hip-hop hits.

    On August 4, Brooklyn-based singer songwriter, Rahill will play her signature dreamy indie-pop. Originally the founder of Garage Rock band Habibi, Rahill’s solo music has been more pop influenced, reflecting on memories of her family. In 2023, she collaborated with indie legend Beck on her song “Fables.”

    All Summer Thunder concerts are free 21+ events. As they are held in an establishment that serves alcohol, physical ID is required for entry. For information on concert RSVPs, visit here. RSVPs are not required, but all concerts will be first come first serve.

  • Holly Humberstone Brings Unmatched Energy to the Brooklyn Steel

    This past Saturday, May 11, English singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone did not disappoint as she graciously took the stage at the Brooklyn Steel for one of two NY shows.

    She is scheduled to tour until the end of May as part of “The Holly Humberstone (This Feels Like the Truman) Show” North American leg. Her tour, which makes lyrical reference to her song, “Ghost Me,” included many tracks off of her latest album, Paint My Bedroom Black.

    Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    The pop-rock artist gained popularity after releasing her debut EP, Falling Asleep at the Wheel. Fans resonated deeply with her heartfelt lyrics, as she sang candidly about the difficulties of navigating familial and romantic relationships, addiction, breakups, and growing up. “Falling Asleep at the Wheel,” one of her most popular songs, includes lyrics like “Oh, you never smoked this much before we / Light up, light up another cigarette / I can tell you’re drinking only to forget / Don’t know how I got you in such a mess.” Holly never fails to cut right to the heart with her words. 

    Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Currently, Humberstone has eighteen tour dates left. She previously played at Webster Hall in 2022, and also toured during Girl in Red’s “Make It Go Quiet” tour and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour” tour.

    Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Holly started the night off strong with her song, “Paint My Bedroom Back,” of which her latest album is named after. Each band member took the stage one at a time, triggering a round of screams from fans who had been camping out hours ahead to make it to the front of the barricade. The energy swelled in the room as Holly’s guitarist, bassist, and drummer built up the opening track seamlessly. 

    Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Upon Holly’s entrance, the crowd made a deafening sound, and she scaled the stage freely, singing her heart out while swishing her hair to the beat. During “Elvis Impersonators,” she recounted her experience in Tokyo, and how she was surrounded by people “dressing up like Michael Jackson.” In the song, she sang lyrics like, “And the Elvis impersonators / Crowding at the elevators / Reminds you of a private joke we had.” The crowd stayed silent during this song, soaking in Humberstone’s beautifully raspy vocals.

    Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Holly ended the night with “Ghost Me,” before singing “Friendly Fire” and “Scarlett” during the encore. Fans, feeling bittersweet that the show was over, exited the venue with satisfied smiles on their faces. 

    Setlist: Paint My Bedroom Black, Into Your Room, The Walls Are Way Too Thin, Overkill, Kissing In Swimming Pools, Cocoon, Dive, Deep End, Can You Afford To Lose Me?, Antichrist, Down Swinging, Lauren, Falling Asleep at the Wheel, Elvis Impersonators, Flatlining, Girl, Sleep Tight, Ghost Me

    Encore: Friendly Fire, Scarlett