Mt. Joy Blend Folk and Psychedelic Rock at Asbury Hall in Buffalo

Rolling Stone’s “new folk-rock heroes” Mt Joy stopped in Buffalo for their Fall 2021 tour on December 6. 

Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Amy Allen opened up the show at Asbury Hall with eloquent vocals paired with her emo song writing skills. Her past work writing alongside Harry Styles, Halsey, and more has built her reputation, but her additional ability to captivate the crowd stood out greatly. She performed a couple of her hits such as “Tom Brady,” and “A Woman’s World.” Allen and her guitarist Griffin were the perfect duo for creating the appropriate ambience before Mt. Joy took the stage. 

Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

From the back of the pit to the sides of the balcony had so many people pumped for Mt. Joy. Even Buffalo Bills fans came out during game day to see the folklore legends. The energy for the Bills transcended across the band members and the crowd while chants spread through the venue. Mt. Joy consists of members Matt Quinn (singer/guitarist), Sam Cooper (guitarist), Michael Byrnes (bassist), Sotiris Eliopoulos (drummer), and Jackie Miclau (keyboardist). 

The group got together for their iconic sophomore album Rearrange Us which gave them major breakthroughs and achieved new records. Their new work had high expectations following their 2018 masterpiece, but it did not disappoint. Crowd favorites proved to be “Acrobats,” “Let Loose,” and “Strangers.” These newer works brought a sense of psychedelic reflection to Quinn’s poetic words. 

Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Mt. Joy still goes back to their folk-stomp roots though with singles “Sheep,” and “Jenny Jenkins.” These classics create an atmosphere that is particularly resonate with the youth in an age of chasing one’s dreams while simultaneously adjusting to the turbulence of getting older. Of course, this group finished off the night with their #1 hit on the AAA Radio Charts, “Silver Lining.”   

Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

Make sure to check out upcoming shows at Asbury Hall at Babeville Buffalo. Tig Notaro takes over the venue on January 15 and Brian Fallon performs on January 16. 

Setlist: Acrobats, Strangers, I’m Your Wreck, Let Loose, Phenomenon, Sheep, Jenny Jenkins, Lemon Tree, Cardinal, Astrovan, Mt. Joy, Every Holiday, Evergreen, Julia 

Encore: Bug Eyes, Silver Lining

Photos by Maddie McCafferty

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