The blue stage lights bounced sharply off the opaque bass of the drum set. Behind it, the lights from the New York City skyline skipped across the Hudson River, through the floor to ceiling windows of the Bissinger Room on the fourth floor of the Howe Center, and into the eyes of concert goers.
Stevens Underground Music Awareness Committee (SUMAC) hosted a concert this past Saturday featuring Stevens’ very own bands Phoneboy and Exit114, as well as The Hotelier. The room was buzzing with anticipation. What the event lacked in sheer numbers, it made up for in energy. As attendees waited eagerly for the show to start, they enjoyed pizza and beverages, which were free with proof of a Stevens ID.
At 7:30 p.m., Phoneboy took the stage. The crowd pressed tightly to the stage within seconds. Front man, sophomore Wyn Barnum, stood on his tiptoes to signal an “all good” to the sound team in the back. The stage lights flickered dramatically with the first drumroll. Sophomore Ricky Dana joined Barnum on guitar and lead vocals. Bassist James Fusco strummed coolly to the side. Fusco wore a plain yellow polo one size too small and jeans just low enough to not be considered floods: classic. The first few songs were reminiscent of a jam session, which was confirmed after the set when band members acknowledged “it is hard to write songs, most of our original ideas come out of jam sessions.” Select members of the crowd joined in singing the lyrics, but more people simply bounced their heads along with the beat. A type of rhythmic sway overtook the crowd. As they shifted their weight from heel to toe it was clear they were not listening to music but having a separate experience all together. Equally, as Phoneboy moved into their cover of Mom Jeans they were no longer musicians performing, but artists in the midst of a piece. Barnum announced they’d play one more song. The crowd cheered loudly, knowing the band was about to dive into their Spotify hit Acid Girl. For just under four minutes, the floor pulsated with every jump and crash of the crowd.
After a short intermission, Exit114 kicked off their segment. They possessed an unmatchable energy that the crowd struggled to keep up with. Their set was comprised of covers, comedy, and at one point a slam dunk contest. The music paused and band members did their best Michael Jordan impersonation.
Shortly after, The Hotelier arrived on the scene. The lead vocalist, Christian Holden, approached the microphone. “I have to pee.” The crowd laughed and jeered, and then waited another 7 minutes. Holden admitted he, and other bandmates, had never gone to college. Maybe not the kind of anecdote to connect with a crowd comprised almost entirely of college students? It wasn’t late, not even 10 p.m., but the crowd seemed tired and distant. The show had all the early signs of a flop. Then, Holden’s voice and the unique sound of The Hotelier pierced through the fog. The audience may not have been ready to hear it, but The Hotelier had something to say. The songs from their album, “Home, Like Noplace Is There,” possessed a message rooted in aging and experience.
In college, creativity and expression often take a backseat to deadlines and grading rubrics. It was refreshing to be a part of such a talented showcase. Music provides a sense of oneness. Phoneboy, Exit114, and The Hotelier succeeded in silencing the distractions and unifying the crowd.
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