Band revival is alive and well in New York’s local music scene.
Enter: five twenty-something guys on stage adorned in brightly-colored ski masks (aka balaclavas). From the music, to the shows, the band and the crowd come together to bring an energy I haven’t quite experienced before.
Though the band only has three songs available for streaming — via mini EP “Have A Taste” — they’ve already piqued local interest and garnered a small following.
The intense and addictive bass, coupled with the outer-space-like vocals, mixed with synth beats, drums and guitar form a symphony of sound. The music is anything but lacking. Balaclava takes you to a different plane of music — to explore and become addicted to the strange.
All songs for Balaclava come from the mind of front-man Dylan Joyce. Recorded on a Tascam 424 in Ridgewood, “Have A Taste” is available for physical purchase on cassette.
Watching them perform feels like reaching ecstasy. All the songs build to a crescendo, and, after the set, everyone is riding off the band’s infectious, adrenaline-jacked show.
I enjoy band performances, and Balaclava is a band. Rarely do I see a band play well, produce an infectious energy, and have each musician maintain individuality. Each member has their own personality that shines on stage. The spotlight splits in five. This band is about playing as a band — and that’s a rare thing to witness.
Having spoken to some members of the band, for them, Balaclava is a musical outlet. Playing shows allow them to get fucking weird with it. On stage, they are eccentric, unpredictable characters with innate musical talent.
Since their debut in late August, Balaclava has played a handful of gigs in New York and just embarked on their first east coast tour. On Thursday, March 23, the band closed out the first leg of their tour with a spectacular headline performance at Purgatory. Last night they played in North Hampton, MA; tonight (March 25) they play in Burlington, VT; and tomorrow, they close out their tour in Portsmouth, NH.
If nothing else, man, does this music make you want to dance. I’ve missed a good set to rock out to, and This. Is. It. Balaclava’s shows are a place for listeners to dance and sweat and mosh till they’re freed. The band leaves it all on the stage and you can leave it all on the floor.
Balaclava IS a band (maybe thee band?); don’t sleep on ‘em. And, if you can, go see ‘em.
For updates on upcoming shows, follow @balaclava_is_a_band on instagram; listen and support on Bandcamp, Spotify or iTunes.
video performance: shot & edited by samantha vogel. shot on sony handycam mini DV.
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