Elsewhere, known for highlighting local bands and the indie nightlife scene, was packed to the brim this past Wednesday, March 19. The audience welcomed Minneapolis based band, Heart to Gold, alongside their Long Island openers Oolong & Samsara, with open arms.
Brooklyn’s small venue was charged with energy, a night for those to dance, form mosh pits and of course use as an excuse to crowd surf.
The night started off strong when Samsara entered around 8:30 pm, announcing their presence with an arrangement of fog horns and displaced sounds. Currently on the rise in New York’s underground scene, the group consists of Dylan Trif (Vocals), Ben Bustamante (Drums), Charlie LoMonaco (Guitar), John Devito (Bass), and Brendan Sandhovel (Guitar).
The band harnesses the roots of alternative rock, pairing it with guttural lyricism, unrelenting drums and a thumping bass-line. Samsara’s vitality and engaging stage presence gives off the impression that they have been in the game for quite some time. In fact, their youth only acts as an edge in their performance. Closing out with “Nevermind,” Samsara left spirits high, urging the crowd to press up to the stage edge.
Fans prepared for Oolong’s entrance at 9:15pm, cheering as their vocalist set up his mike. Vinny Colardi, Scott Lang, Sam Becht, Jesse Silver and Matt Brando make up this Long island based band.
Their sound is unique, an emphasis of twangy guitar and a pop punk style of vocalism. Listeners regard their music as a version of “math emo,” a blend between midwest emo and math rock. Think complex rhythms and intricate time signatures, layered with angsty lyrics.
Despite Oolong’s singer presenting himself as reserved, that didn’t stop the audience from hanging onto his every word. The vocalist quickly tossed his quietness to the side as he began to belt out a chorus from their album, Imaginary Friends. Acoustic accouterments that formed the instrumentals, were juxtaposed against a screaming style of a singing.
When Oolong drew to a close, the temperatures continued to rise in Brooklyn’s Elsewhere. With low ceilings and little to no elbow room, it only created a more intimate environment.
At last, the headliner, Heart to Gold, took to the stage. Calling into the microphone, singer Grant Whiteoak declared that it was time for the audience to really bring the energy. Plus how could one call it an underground show without a little bit of moshing? According to Whiteoak, there better be crowd surfing…and a lot of it.
Alongside Whiteoak appeared bass player, Sidian Johnson and drummer, Blake Kuether. Currently touring for their new album, Free Help, Heart to Gold explores the notion of reaching contenptment, while tackling the narrative of growing up. Moreover, It’s a mix of punk, alternative, rock and a call for urgency. Pit-worthy thrashers with explosive lyricism. Well versed with Heart to Gold’s discography, audience members sang along, mouthing lyrics in-time with each crashing beat.
The trio finished with a song titled, “Smo’.” Upon hearing the track name, the crowd went absolutely wild. What began as something more melodic, also focusing heavily on slow guitar strumming, quickly switched as Whiteoak’s raspy voice filled the room. While relying on the drums to hold the rhythm, Whiteoak jumped into the audience. Listeners threw their bodies back and forth, holding each other up in the air as an unshakable buzz took over.
Finally, the tour continues for Heart to Gold with stops in San Diego, Atlanta, Houston and more.
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