SYLVAN ESSO PLAYS AN INTENSE GIG AT THE BOWERY

If I had to name one group that has been the #1 soundtrack to my summer that would undoubtedly be Sylvan Esso. Releasing what was in my opinion, the best debut album I’ve heard in years, their self-titled effort accounted for the majority of the hours I spent in my Spotify account. So when I heard they had sold out their New York shows three months in advance, I jumped for joy when I was able to secure a front row spot at their headlining show at Bowery Ballroom this past Friday.

Opening for Sylvan Esso was a songstress by the name of Doe Paoro. I had heard her music casually, and was pleasantly surprised when she took the stage in a sheer black, cropped top pantsuit and billowing voluminous hair. She looked like she stepped right out of Studio 54, but she sounded like the best mix of dubstep, pop, R&B, and soul. Layering vocal effects on top of thumping drums, and synths made for an interesting combination – one that the crowd seemed to enjoy as whistles and rousing applause punctuated the end of each of her songs.

As the stage was set up for Sylvan Esso, there were these rows of vertical lights set up as the lone backdrop, preparing the crowd for just as much visual stimulation as we would receive aurally. Donning a cartoon-faced unitard and her signature platform sneakers, Amelia Meath bounded on stage full of energy and enthusiasm. Her bandmate, producer Nick Sanborn joined shortly after, wearing an understated t-shirt and jeans. Their combination as quirky and as unlikely as it may seem works so well that you can’t help but thank whatever force of fate that brought these two together.

Launching directly into their first song, Amelia’s voice sounded stellar. Just as crisp and clear as it is on the record. What I wasn’t prepared for however, was what Nick brought out during their performance. Accompanying his bass-heavy, electronic production, Nick danced and moved around the stage, visually displaying all the feelings and emotions that the music stirred within him. It was mesmerizing to watch; Amelia writing around the stage, gyrating her hips in time with the music and Nick moving in time with the bass thumps. Their synergy was palpable. They reminded me of a heartbeat, pumping their glorious music out into the crowd and spurring us on.

Continuing to plow through their songs, the intensity in the crowd grew. More and more people started dancing to the infectious music and by the time the opening notes of “Coffee” blared through the speakers, the crowd was whipped into a frenzy of limbs. I couldn’t help but put my camera down at that point too and dance. As they made their way to their final song too quickly, “..since we’ve been touring nonstop, we only have one album guys, sorry”, Amelia quipped, Nick announced to “make up” for such a short set, he would dj at the bar downstairs literally until everyone left the building.

Finally, Amelia sang the last note of the quietest song on their album “Come Down”, and the majority of the crowd hurried down to the bar and continued the dance party that Nick built. Amelia and Nick both danced and talked with all the fans that came up to the dj table. To say that I’m a fan of this band would be an understatement. I knew the first time I saw them as an opening band almost a year ago they would be huge. They’ve already announced another headlining show in January, this one at the much larger Terminal 5. No need to even place any bets on where I’ll be that night.

Article by: Lesley Keller