When a group puts out a dance-heavy, energy-packed album, they open themselves up to underperforming live. It’s like meeting your childhood hero- there’s no way that person can live up to the idol you concocted in your mind. St. Lucia is not that kind of group. The New York, by way of South Africa, dream child of Jean-Philip Grobler does not leave the stage until they’re dripping with sweat and the audience is ready for a downer from the music-high.
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The group played night one of two at Terminal 5 to a sold-out crowd Tuesday night. Cacti adorned the stage to convey Grobler’s image of a scaled album- one that is fit with just enough instruments and sounds for each song to thrive. Colorful lights and Gatsby-esq backdrops transformed the stage. The majority of songs performed were from the sophomore album, Matter, which was released earlier this year.
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St. Lucia is ‘80s dance jams at their finest and labeling them as “synth-pop” is accurate, but exclusive. Their sound, especially on the new album, is artful, calculated and progressive. On Matter, Grobler incorporates different genres and instruments, like horns and layered vocal arrangements. The crowd’s love for the new album was evident as they sung along to “Dancing on Glass,” which was co-written by Tim Pagnotta (Walk the Moon) and “Do You Remember.”
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While touring, Grobler performs with his live band consisting of Ross Clark, Nick Paul, Dustin Kaufman, and Patti Beranek and recently, a horn section. St. Lucia will be on tour in the United States through the end of October.
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Article: Alx Bear
