A recent Thursday at Maxwell's brought music fans together for a diverse night of music. Whether you're interested in folk, indie, or Afrobeat, there was something for everyone. For a little more than three hours, concertgoers walked into the venue, not entirely sure what to expect and left being a fan of at least one new band.
California-based Family of the Year kicked things off shortly before 9 p.m. with an impressive set. Unexpected for a performance, each member of the six-piece band sang together resulting in a school choir effect. Performing catchy indie folk rock, energetic songs like "Stupidland" kept the crowd engaged while ballads including the emotional "Hero" portrayed their versatility.
From the moment Gold Motel took the stage, the audience was captivated. The band features Greta Morgan of The Hush Sound as lead vocalist and members of This Is Me Smiling. Playing solid rock & roll, Gold Motel's energy and music recall that of The Kinks and Beach Boys. With their killer guitar sound combined with fitting harmonies and airy lead vocals, the band quickly livened up the venue and drew fans close to the stage.
Debuting tracks off their upcoming June release, Summer House, their energy never wavered.
"Summer House is written exclusively about the characters on 'Jersey Shore'" Morgan joked before introducing "We're On the Run."
Musically, each track was dynamic, but never overpowered Morgan. "We're On the Run" blended electric guitar, bell features and percussion well, leaving room for Morgan's captivating vocals.
Throughout their set, the band segued from upbeat rock songs to ballads effortlessly. The soulful "Safe in LA" found Morgan on tambourine while "The Cruel One" introduced a jazzier side to Gold Motel. A song about not having regrets, "The Cruel One" struck a chord.
Crowd favorite, "Don't Send the Searchlights" showcased Gold Motel's ability to switch gears effortlessly within the context of a song. Starting off rapidly, the track slowed down mid-song as Morgan sings "Don't send the searchlights/You'll only waste your time/Looking for what is gone/Goodnight, goodbye/ By the time you turn around I'll be gone," before the song built back up, and ended forcefully.
Lu Hallulat from Utah danced throughout the entirety of Gold Motel's set. Even Morgan asked, "Are you this happy all the time?" Apparently she is when seeing the band live. The Utah native was in town visiting friends and heard Gold Motel was playing in Hoboken. "Their performance was really fun. I've followed [Greta] throughout her career and the band she was in before, The Hush Sound."
Givers took the stage at 11 p.m. and played an energetic set for a little more than an hour. Blending Afrobeat and folk with traces of rock & roll, the band drew concertgoers in with their vigorous music and peculiar stage antics. Whether they jumped around the stage or stuck their tongues out during guitar solos, the viewer couldn't help but be intrigued.
Performing songs off their latest EP, Givers combine guitar, keyboards, percussion, ukulele, and bells with alternating female/male vocals. On each track, singer Teddy Tif Lamson can be found rotating from singing, playing ukulele, bells and percussion.
Tracks like "Up Up Up" showcase the band's playful side. Alternating vocals between Lamson and Taylor Guarisco combined with atmospheric keyboard and bell accompaniment; the song had many dancing. Their catchy beats and instrumental interlude impressed and demonstrated Givers talent.
After an hour set, the audience wanted more. Looking stunned at what to play next, Guarisco told the crowd, "Just go crazy. This is a song we don't normally play. It's a rock & roll kind of song. It's different." Drastically switching gears from their Afrobeat sound earlier that night, the track showcased a guitar heavy sound with Lamson yelping and flaring her hair in all directions while energetically playing drums.
Together just a year, Givers has toured with Dirty Projectors and made a stop at this year's SXSW. Their energy and stage performance are not to be missed. A band with this much vigor is sure to go places. Currently on tour until mid June, Givers show no signs of slowing down.
