K. FLAY DELIVERS A STRIKING PERFORMANCE AT BOWERY BALLROOM

If you want the all-encompassing definition of “true fans,” look no further than Monday night’s sold-out show at Bowery Ballroom. K. Flay sold the place out and packed it to the balconies and everything in between. Eager to find out what the buzz was about, I grabbed my gear and secured a spot right in front of the stage to see all the action. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.

Starting the night off, Nigerian born rapper Daye Jack got the crowd moving early in the night with feel-good lyrics and buoyant tracks. He used every single second of his set time to deliver his messages, including a very relevant one involving police brutality called “Hands Up.” In between each song, the girl standing next to me kept remarking how great a performer he was and how she’d have to look him up as soon as she got home.

Daye Jack

Daye Jack

Daye Jack

Daye Jack

Daye Jack

Daye Jack

Daye Jack

Next up, Nashville band Paper Route. Now I’ve seen Paper Route a number of times in past years, but without a doubt, they have never sounded better. Front man JT Daly, sporting his signature mismatched Doc Martens with a pristine, white jean jacket, (that I marveled at how pristine he was able to keep it out on tour), impeccably nailed all his vocals during the night. This man’s voice is a prime example of soaring vocals, and they definitely reached the heights. They ran through favorites like “Chariot,” and “Balconies” from their 2016 release, Real Emotion. With powerful guitar work, driving drums, intriguing melodies and incredible crowd involvement by joining an overly emotional fan’s Snapchat story, and handing the front row a trio of drums to hold during an impressive flourish of showmanship.  The same girl standing next to me also added Paper Route to her “mental to-do list.”

Paper Route

Paper Route

Paper Route

Paper Route

Paper Route

Paper Route

Paper Route

Paper Route

Paper Route

Paper Route

Paper Route

Paper Route

Paper Route

Paper Route

I found myself engaged in conversation with that girl right before K. Flay took the stage and she told me how she has waited 5 long years to see her perform. That same sentiment was echoed all around me tenfold, as the screams, squeals and hollers erupted. K. Flay walked out and launched right into her set list, with the entire crowd singing along word for word.

K. Flay

Kflay

Kflay

Kflay

Kflay

Kflay

Kflay

Kflay

Kflay

Her performance overall was quite striking – her black hair whipping around as she danced, thick eyeliner rimming her eyes as she scanned the audience, and how she passionately threw herself into each and every song, pouring every bit of herself into each lyric and every second she stood onstage. The lightshow happening behind her was just as important; upping the drama factor with every transition, and fog billowed out from side stage to cast her as a silhouette numerous times throughout the night. “Blood In The Cut,” “Hollywood Forever,” and “You Felt Right” all found their way into a set list that rocked the place emotionally and literally. K. Flay is definitely a powerhouse performer.

Kflay

K. Flay

Kflay

Kflay

Kflay

Kflay

Kflay

Kflay

K. Flay

With her sophomore album, Every Where Is Some Where on the horizon for April 7^th, I’d say she’s well on her way to selling out bigger venues in no time.

Article: Lesley Keller