Petter Ericson Stakee really knows how to front a rock and roll band. He effortlessly flaunts that ability every time I see him and his band come to New York. Last time was at a late night Brooklyn Night Bazaar in the dead of winter. This show was a bit more generous on the joints and the ears. They stopped by Music Hall of Williamsburg to open up for Heartless Bastards, and as they took the stage to a still somewhat empty room, by the end of their short set they had a packed venue roaring for the alterative rock band.
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Sporting a worn in fedora, Stakee and his stylish Fenders led the group through the eight-song set, shorter than one would like, but none less invigorating. Most of the set consisted of newer material, opening up with newcombers to the Alberta Cross catalog ‘Ghost of Santa Fe’, ‘Get Up High’, ‘Isolation’, and ‘Western State’. All of which highlights Stakee’s ability to blend in horns and pedal steel into his Americana/indie style of rock.
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
With the encouragement of the crowd the band powered through PA issues on ‘ATX’ and ‘Crate of Gold’ as Stakee shared a laugh about the audio issues.
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross
“Man it’s good to be back in Brooklyn,” he said in his high-pitched English voice as he smiled and went into ‘Low Man’ to close out the night. Although most in attendance were there to see Heartless Bastards, everyone left knowing who Alberta Cross was.
Article: Tom Shackleford
Photos: Lesley Keller
