Sylvan Esso @ Brooklyn Paramount - Brooklyn, NY
October 14th 2026: Sylvan Esso, Arushi Jain @ Brooklyn Paramount - Brooklyn, NY
Sylvan Esso | Photos Courtesy of: Lesley Keller
On a very unseasonably warm evening amongst a line of excited fans wrapped around the building, I thought back to when I first saw Sylvan Esso onstage in 2013, opening for Volcano Choir. Knowing back then they would be a big deal, seeing their name on the marquee with a “sold out” added on the end made their return to NYC all the more sweeter.
Fans spilled into the venue, filling in the spaces as tightly as they could, eager to get the best spot in the house with enough room to dance. But first, we were treated to what I would say was the perfect appetizer to the evening, Arushi Jain. Jain’s ethereal vocals joined by heaving bass and modular synth swells filled our ears. Largely instrumental, it was the perfect start to the evening - a sound bath to live in for a bit with no clear transition from one song to the next. It was more of an experience than a normal set.
A short set-change later and the band members shuffled onstage to their respective instruments, with Amelia bounding out in a fluffy black tutu and black tank top to match. The crowd roared as the set began with “Entertainment & Coca-Cola”, appropriately bathed in red light. The set included a punchy mix of songs from the Sylvan Esso catalogue, including “Numb,” “Dreamy Bruises,” “Back Again,” “Die Young,” “Play It Right,” “HSKT,” and “Sledge” to name a few, but what was infinitely intriguing about this performance compared to the previous times I’ve seen Sylvan Esso is how much the additional band members’ instrumentation lends to the feel of the songs. Now, I am not one to turn my nose up at the original arrangements - I love a good synth heavy, sparse mix any day of the week. But the added drums, and guitars really gave the songs additional heft and helped the old cuts feel much more cohesive with the songs from Ow ∞. Over the years, this duo has done such an incredible job of expanding their sound, while still keeping the core instrumentation and vocals ever-present. The crowd responded gleefully throughout the night by dancing and jumping around wildly, mirroring Amelia’s joyful movements onstage. Hearing the crowd yell “ESSO!” during “HSKT” was another highlight that brings a smile to my face each time I think about it.
But a Sylvan Esso show isn’t complete without some hilarious human moments - Nick’s computer setup somehow malfunctioned directly after “Play It Right,” which he quipped it was the crowd’s fault for being “too hyped,” and of course that gave Amelia the perfect segue to tell a story about how she almost hit some teens while driving in North Carolina. The crowd laughed at the insertion of the story during that moment, then yelped for the North Carolina shoutout, which frankly, I’m shocked there was that much North Carolina representation in Brooklyn, and finally Nick got his computer working and the show churned on. Part of me seriously wondered what other time-filling stories Amelia would conjure up, but luckily for us, that would have to wait until the next show.
Arushi Jain
Grizzly Bear @ Brooklyn Steel - Brooklyn
October 16th 2025: Grizzly Bear @ Brooklyn Steel - Brooklyn, NY
Grizzly Bear | Photos Courtesy of: Erika Reinsel
The indie world buzzed with quiet excitement at the news that Grizzly Bear was emerging from their hiatus for a brief run of shows – marking their first live performances in over six years. With the first two shows in Brooklyn already behind them, I joined a sold-out crowd at Brooklyn Steel for the third night of Grizzly Bear’s long-awaited return. As the crowd waited for the band to take the stage, you could hear conversations of wishlists of deep cuts and rarities they wanted to hear, with an eagerness to see if any of their long-held hopes would make the setlist.
Grizzly Bear finally took the stage, opening with ‘Southern Point’ from their 2009 album Veckatimest. Also from the 2009 album, fans were thrilled as the familiar drums of ‘Cheerleader’ kicked in, a clear sign that some long-held wishlists were coming true. Despite a few minor sound issues throughout the evening, every song remained captivating. Fans were once again treated to the flawless harmonies of Ed Droste and Daniel Rossen, Chris Taylor’s rich backing vocals, and the mesmerizing drumming of Chris Bear. Most of the evening's setlist drew from Veckatimest and 2012’s Shields. ‘Lullabye’ – off of 2006’s Yellow House, was a standout and can only be described as euphoric.
Thursday’s crowd was also the first of the run to experience Beach House’s Victoria Legrand performing with the band. As she stepped on stage to warm applause, the band launched into ‘Slow Life’ and ‘Will Calls,’ followed by what Ed Droste introduced as “the song that started it all” – ‘Two Weeks.’ Legrand’s haunting, melodic vocals added new depth to the live arrangements, elevating the familiar tracks into something more transcendent. She remained on stage for ‘Three Rings’ before the band closed the set with a soaring performance of 'Sun In Your Eyes.'
As the final notes faded, the crowd erupted – emotional, electrified, and not quite ready for the night to end.
Much to everyone’s delight, Grizzly Bear took the stage once again and the night closed with a stripped-down, acoustic rendition of 'All We Ask' for a quiet, beautiful moment that lingered. It’s safe to say fans will be hoping this return won’t be their last.
Setlist:
- Southern Point
- Alligator
- Sleeping Ute
- Cheerleader
- Yet Again
- Fine for Now
- Ready, Able
- Gun-Shy
- Half Gate
- Lullabye
- While You Wait for the Others
- Slow Life
- Will Calls
- Two Weeks
- Three Rings
- Sun in Your Eyes
Encore:
- All We Ask
(On a Neck, On a Spit was included in the set list as the encore opener, but was not played)
Bikini Kill @ Brooklyn Paramount - Brooklyn
September 7th, 2024: Bikini Kill, Birthday Girl @ Brooklyn Paramount - Brooklyn, NY
Bikini Kill | Photos Courtesy of: Edwina Hay
On Saturday, September 7th, Bikini Kill began their two-night stand at Brooklyn Paramount in Brooklyn, NY. The influential punk band are wrapping up their summer tour and scheduled two nights in New York City at Brooklyn Paramount.
Brooklyn Paramount opened earlier this year, hosting live music in the space for the first time in nearly 50 years. The site is a former movie palace and was a sports venue up until the multi-million dollar renovation by Live Nation.
Starting the evening promptly at 8 PM was Brooklyn band Birthday Girl. The sextet warmed up the all-ages crowd, who mostly filled the main room despite numerous people standing in line to buy merchandise or still arriving at the show. Singer/songwriter Eva Smittle cited the headlining act as an influence and expressed appreciation to the band for adding them to this exciting bill.
Bikini Kill then appeared on stage shortly after 9 PM with Kathleen Hanna starting their set with the powerful lyric, “We’re Bikini Kill, and we want revolution girl style now!” and beginning “Double Dare Ya.” The quartet, also comprised of Tobi Vail, Kathi Wilcox, and Sara Landeau opened with BK’s earliest material (“Carnival,” “New Radio,” and “Don’t Need You”) before visiting songs from their full-length records, Pussy Whipped and Reject All American. With no new material to promote, the band played everything old to the delight of everyone in attendance. The audience sang along and danced throughout the whole show with members rotating roles on songs. Tobi left the drum kit to sing “Distinct Complicity,” “Hamster Baby,” and “Tell Me So” with Kathi or Sara taking over drum duties and Kathleen moving over to play bass. Their set concluded with ”Suck My Left One,” “Jigsaw Youth” and a one-song encore of “Rebel Girl” which is now a timeless anthem.
Bikini Kill disbanded in 1997 and was a band that I never imagined witnessing live one day, especially as someone who discovered them towards the end of their life. Before beginning, “I Like Fucking,” Kathleen shared that she never wanted to play that song before their breakup but now she finds joy in it. Being in a room where mostly everyone is singing along and enjoying music made by four badass women truly is a joyful experience and I’m extremely grateful for Bikini Kill and that gift.
Birthday Girl
Mitski @ Kings Theatre - Brooklyn
February 27th, 2024: Mitski @ Kings Theatre - Brooklyn, NY
Mitski - Photos Courtesy of: Chinaza Ajuonuma
Mitski's performance at Kings Theatre on February 27th was a mesmerizing journey through her emotive catalog, leaving the audience spellbound with her raw talent and captivating stage presence. As she took the stage, Mitski delved deep into her music, delivering each song with a powerful intensity that held the crowd in rapt attention from start to finish. Her interpretive dancing added an extra layer of emotion, allowing her to convey the depth of her lyrics viscerally and poignantly.
From the haunting melodies of "Buffalo Replaced" to the pulsating energy of "Geyser," Mitski showcased the breadth of her musical prowess, effortlessly transitioning between moments of vulnerability and strength. The setlist was a carefully curated journey through her discography, with highlights including the achingly beautiful "First Love/Late Spring" and the anthemic "I Will Always Love You After You."
As the evening unfolded, Mitski's connection with the audience became palpable, with each song drawing the crowd deeper into her world. The encore, preceded by a three-minute ovation, was a fitting conclusion to the night, featuring soul-stirring renditions of "Nobody" and "Washing Machine Heart" that left the audience longing for more.
Overall, Mitski's performance at Kings Theatre was nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing her immense talent as both a musician and a performer. With her emotive vocals, evocative lyrics, and captivating stage presence, Mitski left an indelible impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness her live.
The Hives @ Brooklyn Steel - Brooklyn
October 30th, 2023: The Hives, Olivia Jean @ Brooklyn Steel - Brooklyn, NY
The Hives - Photos Courtesy of: Edwina Hay
The Hives blessed fans with another dozen new songs on The Death of Randy Fitzimmons back on August 11th and kicked off their tour with a sold-out show at Brooklyn Steel in Brooklyn, NY the eve before Halloween (Monday, October 30, 2023). Who is Randy Fitzsimmons? He may or may not exist, but has been credited as discovering and managing The Hives as well as being an unofficial sixth member of the band. With their first new record in over a decade, Fitzsimmons is now dead…or perhaps he is still alive?
The long-running garage rock band recently announced on social media that there would be prizes awarded for costumes for their Brooklyn show plus Washington, D.C. on Halloween. Naturally, there were people dressed up like The Hives, including one person up front who referenced frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist accidentally hitting himself in the face with a microphone during their performance at a festival.
Another garage rock act, Olivia Jean, and her band were selected to open the tour. The four members took the stage promptly at 8 PM and played a solid and fun set for 40 minutes. Olivia Jean and her band seemed truly excited to be on tour with The Hives and engaging with their fans at the tour opening show.
The Hives came on stage about 9:15 PM after Frédéric Chopin’s “Marche Funèbre” played over the speakers and frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist jokingly and accurately declaring, “It is good to have us back!” before the group kicked off their set with the first track of Randy Fitzsimmons, “Bogus Operandi,” and subsequently launching into “Main Offender,” “Walk Idiot Walk,” and “Rigor Mortis Radio.” Almqvist announced that the new album made him feel like a proud parent before the band performed the fifth song from the aforementioned record, “Stick Up.”
All evening, Pelle’s banter was witty and sharp: “I looked at the setlist and you people love this song. You’ve loved it for 20 years!” before he introduced guitarist (and his brother) Nicholas Arson to begin “Hate To Say I Told You So,” from their 2000 sophomore album Veni, Vidi Vicious. “Yeah, we’ve been practicing!” he later noted when expressing how good they sounded. When he announced the last song of their set, people loudly expressed their disappointment and he immediately quipped, “Do we have a customer complaint?” The Hives selected “Countdown to Shutdown,” another single from the new album, as the final song of their set before they left the stage, only to return to us a few moments later. We received a two-song encore of “Come On!” (from 2012’s Lex Hives) and “Tick Tick Boom,” (from The Black and White Album). Before the Swedish gents sent us off into the night, we heard Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better” over the house speakers as the band took a bow to a cheering audience.
I caught my first performance from the Swedish quintet back in 2001 and saw them a few months ago in May at a smaller venue. I can always count on The Hives to deliver an energetic and fun performance and I’m so grateful I got to see them twice in a year after a long hiatus. They’re scheduled to return to NYC again in 2024 to open for Foo Fighters at CitiField and I’m very glad I got to see them in a medium-sized venue before they bring The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons to the home of The New York Mets.
Olivia Jean
CHAI @ Warsaw - Brooklyn
October 6th, 2023: CHAI, Font @ Warsaw - Brooklyn, NY
CHAI - Photos Courtesy of: Edwina Hay
On Friday, October 6th, CHAI’s, “We the CHAI” tour came to Brooklyn, NY for an evening at Warsaw.
The openers for this tour are Austin, TX’s Font, and the five-member act which only formed in 2022 went on promptly at 8 PM. Before the show, I tried to check out their music but could only find one single available on their Bandcamp page, so I was very curious what their full set would be like. The post-punk quintet put on an energetic and fun performance, and the audience seemed to enjoy it.
Chai came on stage at 9:15 PM, dressed in matching pink costumes. Their infectious songs, high energy, and synchronized dance moves had the Brooklyn crowd screaming and dancing along all throughout their extremely enjoyable set. Predictably, their setlist included their single (“PARA PARA”) from their Sub Pop Records debut, CHAI, released last month. They also performed older material such as “E.N.D.,” “N.E.O.,” plus a few moments of a song from one of their influences, Basement Jaxx (“Where’s Your Head At?”). Their joyful set is truly what I needed at the end of a busy week and I felt a small wave of sadness when I realized it was over as most people filed out of Warsaw, while others remained behind to meet the band at the merchandise table.
Font
little image @ Baby's All Right - Brooklyn
August 30th, 2023: little image @ Baby’s All Right - Brooklyn, NY
little image - Photos Courtesy of: Edwina Hay
Viagra Boys @ Brooklyn Steel - Brooklyn
October 18th 2022: Viagra Boys, shame @ Brooklyn Steel - Brooklyn, NY
Viagra Boys - Photos and Review Courtesy of: Edwina Hay
shame, the UK post-punk band, joined forces with Viagra Boys, of Stockholm, Sweden for a nearly month-long tour of the United States and ended their expedition in Brooklyn, NY on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.
Kills Birds, the Los Angeles based band that opened all shows on the tour went on at 7:30 PM. The band fronted by Nina Ljeti performed songs from their second record, Married, and ended their set with “Worthy Girl” which has an opening lyric of “this flower kills birds,” and Ljetl shared that it is how the band got their name before the song began.
Viagra Boys, who I caught earlier this year in Brooklyn, are touring in support of their newest album, Cave World, which was released in July on Year 001. Their setlist seemed to reflect a good portion of that record such as playing “Ain’t No Thief,” “Troglodyte,” and “Punk Rock Loser,” The group’s singer, Sebastian Murphy, dedicated the final track of that album, “Return to Monke” to their bassist, Benjamin Vallé, who passed away about a year ago said he loved New York and a fan who recently died but had friends in the audience. Their set also included older songs like “Ain’t Nice,” “Worms,” “Sports,” and “Shrimp Shack” with someone in the audience throwing both of their shoes at the stage during that penultimate song.
The post-punk quintet shame began the final set of the night at 9:45 PM. Their second studio album called Drunk Tank Pink was released by Dead Oceans in January 2021. Singer Charlie Steen seemed to waste no time engaging with fans by leaping into the crowd during their first song, “Dust on Trial.” All members were filled with energy, especially bassist Josh Finerty, who constantly ran back and forth on stage while playing his instrument. Before the final song of the night was played, “Snowday,” Steen revealed shame will hopefully be back next year with a brand new album.
shame
kills birds
