If you were in Williamsburg and not at Brooklyn Bowl Wednesday night chances are you were the only person on the street. A sea of people, stretching from the stage to the back bar and spilling onto the bowling lanes, attended The Revivalists’ sold out show. There was dancing, singing, drinking, and once the “Big Easy” rock band took the stage, absolutely no bowling.
The Revivalists
The Revivalists
The Revivalists
The Revivalists
The seven-piece outfit led by David Shaw brought a soul-tapping revival along with special guest Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, who currently is starring in the musical School of Rock on Broadway. They played past hits like the guitar shredding and funky “Criminal” and songs off of their newest album, Men Amongst Mountains (Wind-Up Records). The crowd began a coordinated swaying when they played the slow-building jam “It was a Sin.”
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The third song “Monster,” was a crowd favorite. The soulful track is full of delicate drum beats and saxophone notes that underscore the confessional nature of the song. At the bridge there was an outpouring of emotion from Shaw as he pronounced, “Well I’m a monster/ I’m turning into a monster.” After, Shaw serenaded a few women in the crowd with “Fade Away” and crooned “Would you come with me…Oh and society is putting scars on my body/ It’s got me acting so naughty.” When you hear the song live, it hijacks you. Don’t fight it- just let the chills overtake you.
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The Revivalists
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The best part of the set was the band did not limit itself to performing on stage. Rob Ingraham (saxophone) scaled speakers, while Shaw strolled along the dividing walls throughout the room to play to the back of the house. And then of course was the encore, a southern roots version of “Forgot About Dre,” which left the crowd unhinged. The Revivalists will be touring and on the festival circuit through January 2017.
The Revivalists
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The Revivalists
Article: Alx Bear
