The New York City psychedelic rock scene gained a formidable new entrant when Brooklyn-born Boojum took the stage for their first-ever show on Saturday, January 20.

Performing at the combination music venue/recording studio at Brooklyn’s Firstlive, the four-piece band of Chris Mackin (guitar/vocals), Josh Santiago (guitar/vocals), Sarah Elaz (bass/vocals), and Dan Shein (drums) debuted twelve original songs, with lyrics by poet and translator Tom Mackin.

Boojum was born out of a unique one-night-only event at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl that saw Elaz join the Beatles jam band Walrus (Mackin, Santiago and Shein) for a performance inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Refining that original music and doing away with the theatrical trappings of the “Walrus in Wonderland” show, Boojum’s debut was musically focused, showcasing a creative abundance across an inspired two-sets that kept attendees rapt with refreshing original jams.

While the strength of Tom Mackin’s songwriting was apparent when the audience insisted on an unprompted call-and-response during “Vanish Away,” the highlight of the evening was the original “The Mouse.” This bass-driven funky groove led the audience into a fist-pumping “Oysters” to close the first set. When the band retook the stage attendees were treated to another series of originals, peaking with the grooving “Looking Glass House.”

The full technical capabilities of Firstlive were also on display Saturday night, with Boojum not only leaning into the jam-scene trend of offering a multi-camera live stream of the show but also using the performance to begin recording an inaugural live album.

In recording their debut EP live, Boojum heightened the atmosphere with added excitement for attendees. The decision to eschew the controlled environment of a studio for the spontaneity and vibrancy of a live performance demonstrated confidence in craft and a belief in the power of the band’s live presentation.

Boojum’s debut performance is sure to leave a lasting impression when the inaugural show turns into a full album this spring. Their next performance is at The Sultan Room on March 16. The show will feature dancers, visuals, and guests with the band performing wonderland inspired songs from their forthcoming EP and more. Tickets are on sale now.

Boojum – Firstlive, Brooklyn – January 20, 2024

Set 1: Cheshire Cat, Vanish Away, Pig Baby , Vorpal Blade, The Mouse > Oysters

Set 2: Mr W. Rabbit > Snark 1, Looking Glass House > Sundial, Caterpillar Hookah

Encore: Mad Tea Party