Jukebox the Ghost @ Bowery Ballroom

I'm not sure whether it was here or Twitter that I mentioned having a surprise in regards to my trip to see Jukebox the Ghost at Bowery Ballroom earlier this month. It took longer than expected, but my surprise is finally ready for the masses. See, I was asked to write a review for Beyond Race Magazine, and I thought it was only fair to wait until it was posted on their website before I did the same here. So here is my part of the review. The other section on the headliner (Tally Hall) was written by my friend who works at the magazine. (He also edited some of my bits, because I am, to be perfectly honest, not that good a writer). The complete review has been linked to above, in case you want to take a look. So, without further ado, I present: Jukebox the Ghost.

The following is my review as written by your humble blogger. There are a few edits on the BRM post, but that was probably for the best. Consider this the "deleted scenes" at the end of the movie, if it so pleases you.

Fresh from a month in Europe, Jukebox the Ghost played to a packed house at Bowery Ballroom. The band always has something special to offer their audience, and this was no exception. Whether it be ghosts for Halloween or Christmas lights strung everywhere, the stage is always an element of the experience. The staging this time was set with bubbles blown from members in the audience, turning the room almost into a playground. The comparison seems appropriate, for if Jukebox could be described with one word it would be “fun.” Not only does it fit the audience's experience, but what the band seems to feel as they perform. Ben (their keyboardist) tells stories of their tour or some other tale as if he's sharing this with a group of friends who have stopped by for a friendly visit. Two other members (Tommy and Jessie) shared that they caught a bug while in Europe. “Jessie is actually too sick to do this next song – but he's going to play it anyway,” Tommy comments before starting his favorite dance tune from their new album (release of which is unknown at this point). This shows a dedication to their music (and their fans) that is remarkable. You can tell they enjoy performing just as much as the audience enjoys watching them. The crowd dances and sings along throughout the set. There is even participation during a few of the songs. This is especially evident with the fan-favorite “Hold It In”, which they concluded their set with. Not only does the audience sing along, but there is also clapping which not only adds to the rhythm of the song, but also brings a wave of joy as the song progresses. It's as if you have become part of the experience, part of the fun. And that is just one more way Jukebox the Ghost becomes not just another band, but something truly special.