Last night (7/25/15), BRIC hosted their 37th annual Celebrate Brooklyn concert in the Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn, NY. BRIC is a non- profit organization that provides community events in Brooklyn that reflects its creativity and diversity by presenting performing arts, media programs, and art showcases. As part of their Celebrate Brooklyn Concert last night, BRIC presented the band Porches. and headlining duo Sylvan Esso to the bandshell. The event was FREE, as are most of their events, and the show of course did not disappoint as cliche as that sounds.
The event kicked off with local NY band Porches. Just a small disclaimer, I had no idea who either of these bands were going into this, so this is all completely unbiased. I knew walking into Prospect Park this was going to be hipster central and I'm never super opposed to the scene, I usually listen to bands of the like anyways.
Porches immediately brought me in full force to this ever so obscure culture and I was immersed quickly into a dream like land in hipster heaven. Though I'm not one who likes to be part of any particular scene, I must say I enjoyed this one and I would like to think that Porches set the mood perfectly for the culture and scene I was in. Their Brooklyn indie rock inspired sound was nothing shy of entertaining and to no surprise perfectly displayed the talent the band has outside of studio recordings. There truly is nothing like the sound of actual guitars, bass guitars, drums and even keyboards. To hear the electrifying sound of their music next to the lead singer's edgy (not to mention dreamy) voice and lyrics, really helped create the atmosphere of last nights show eloquently.
For a small venue and not too popular band, there was a HUGE turnout. The line I was on saw 675+ people and the second line on the other side of the park reached over 800 people. With an attendance like this, I needed to understand what the hype was. Maybe it was this ever so popular "hipster" scene and the fact it was in Brooklyn or maybe it was the fact that Sylvan Esso had stolen the hearts of the entire indie rock lovers scene. I think I'll go with the second one. I'm pretty sure all of Brooklyn's youngsters (ages 18- 30) were there and I completely, 100%, full heartedly understand the hype.
Like I said, going into this I had no idea who Sylvan Esso even was and coming out of this I have fallen in love with them. I didn't know a single word to any of the songs and still managed to hum and dance along. To like Sylvan Esso, I feel you must have some sort of eclectic music taste. If not, if you're into the EDM or indie scene, you can find at least 2-3 songs you can absolutely like.
The power pop duo certainly put on an entertaining show for a mic and a synthesizer. Lead singer Amelia Meath brings a funky (in a good way) energy to the show, working the entire stage with her eccentric and occasionally provocative dance moves, much to the crowd's pleasure. Of course her soft melodic folk pipes (much to like of Lana Del Rey and Lilly Allen) beautifully fill the air not to over power, but to accompany the cool tones of their indie dance sound in the most euphoric way. Producer Nick Sanborn, brings equal the amount of energy while on synth and hypes the crowd with the electric dance vibe he creates on synthesizer. There are certainly elements of drum and bass that fill their sound as well, making them easily likable to passing by-ers.
The only way I can describe the show last night would be by comparing it to the feeling of an absolute dream like state of being. At one point I felt so spaced out and lost in the sound that I became unaware I was even in public anymore. For someone who has never heard a single song it was nearly miraculous to be transported into such a state. It was music that made me love, it made me dream and it made me feel. I think that's all that really matters. It made me feel something. Something not even the most famous and best musicians/artists in the world can make me feel. That was the most crucial thing for me. Sylvan Esso performed and created a new musical experience for me that couldn't be duplicated. Unless by an artist of my top 5 'cause lets face it, no one gets you like your favorites.
Last night I walked away with the best first impression ever made on me by any one person or band. I walked out not only a fan, but a lover of Sylvan Esso. It takes pure talent to shake me like that, and that is what they are. The show was undeniably amazing. The only con I have is the unfortunate run in with a very ignorant, nosy, pretentious hipster local who ultimately gives the scene its stigma. For him I knock a point off. He didn't ruin the experience, but he ruined my view of the hipster culture 'cause he proved the stigma right. Good job, buddy.
I've made some recommendations of my favorite songs from last night below. If you have a chance, check it out and let me know what you think. I don't think their studio album does justice to what they can do live, but I certainly still love the album and these songs specifically. If you ever get a chance to see them live (especially for free) I would advise you strongly consider it.
Rate: 9/10
(For indie/hipster/Brooklyn music lovers)
Sylvan Esso:
Hey Mami
Dreamy Bruises
Dress
Coffee
Uncatena**
(
Play It Right- single/most popular song)
** My absolute favorite song by them.
Happy listening!
-- Samantha Jo xo
