2017 will be an exciting year for us here at Pancakes & Whiskey, and our showcase at The Footlight on Friday night was nothing short of a great time. Show-goers dragged themselves out of the rain into the cozy confines of the space, to crack a few beers, scarf down a few sandwiches and take in a night of great music.
Kicking things off, Brooklyn based 4-piece Debbie Downer delivered lo-fi, danceable tunes that set the mood for a night of fun. Having formed the band recently, they played to the crowd well, with spurts of banter wedge neatly in between songs to keep the mood light and upbeat.
Debbie Downer
Debbie Downer
Debbie Downer
Debbie Downer
Debbie Downer
Next up, Journalism rocked the crowd with songs that got everyone dancing immediately. Front man Kegan Zema touched nearly ever inch of the stage, as well as down in front of it when he hopped into the crowd to play. The rhythmic “Faces” was one of many highlights during their set that forced me to seek out their debut album afterward for lots more.
Journalism
Journalism
Journalism
Journalism
Journalism
Journalism
Journalism
Journalism
Journalism
Journalism
As more people wandered in from the rain, the crowd double just in time for Elliot & The Ghost’s set. The alt-rock band won the crowd over in no time, earning rounds of applause from start to finish. Dressed in all black, lead singer William Thompson’s brooding vocals and menacing stage presence entranced the crowd, and was broken only by his own comment about his choice to wear a turtleneck under the hot lights. Trading riffs with guitarist, Brett Giroux while Dan Edwards deftly kept up their momentum on drums, and Connor Jones drove their point home on bass, Elliot & The Ghost easily proved why they are one of the top NY based bands to keep an eye out for.
Elliot & The Ghost
Elliot & The Ghost
Elliot & The Ghost
Elliot & The Ghost
Elliot & The Ghost
Elliot & The Ghost
Elliot & The Ghost
Elliot & The Ghost
Elliot & The Ghost
Elliot & The Ghost
Elliot & The Ghost
Elliot & The Ghost
Elliot & The Ghost
Elliot & The Ghost
Last but not least, one of my favorites, Tiny Victories took the stage to close out the night. Behind a table full of samplers and various beat-making hardware, and with projections shining over him, Greg Walters, was mostly a one-man show. Sampling from various audience members throughout the night, he managed to revitalize many of the tracks from his 2014 release, Haunts. That album name is also a bit fitting since it was like seeing a ghost – I hadn’t seen Tiny Victories perform in a number of years, but was so glad to see the crowd reaction mirror my feelings as well. After we all danced like no one was watching, Greg sent us out into the world with the obligatory “goodnight everyone, let’s get drunk!” I couldn’t have asked for a better group of artists to play one of many fantastic Pancakes & Whiskey showcases.
Tiny Victories
Tiny Victories
Tiny Victories
Tiny Victories
Tiny Victories
Tiny Victories
Tiny Victories
Article: Lesley Keller
