Encore Woozy and Wallice Put Rock Back in Indie-Rock Gigs – Washington Square News

Always Woozy lit up the stage in his second performance at Brooklyn Steel, delivering his usual danceable psychedelic pop.

Stepping into Brooklyn Steel in East Williamsburg to see Still Woozy was like a breath of fresh air – and not just because of the freezing temperatures and even colder winds blowing through the warehouse-like venue. It was revitalizing to be back at an intimate concert with a relaxed atmosphere and a welcoming crowd.

It appeared that comfort was the point of the evening. Unlike other concerts, there was no jostling, aggressiveness or rush to get to the barricade. The crowd was made up of people much older and much younger than me. Some onlookers went casual and wore jeans and flannels, while others dressed up in elaborate bodysuits and colorful corduroys. Even though I attended the concert alone, I never felt like I belonged.

The show started at 8:15 p.m., once the crowd had gathered. Wallice, a 22-year-old indie-pop artist, opened the show and set the tone for the evening. His music, which usually falls somewhere between alternative rock and indie pop, is decidedly more upbeat than headliner Still Woozy’s music tends to be. However, despite my expectations of soft music and copious amounts of relaxed rocking, Wallice brought electric energy to Brooklyn Steel.

After Wallice finished his 45-minute set, the wait for Still Woozy began as the audience chanted “Woozy, Woozy, Woozy!” After the lights went out, the crowd erupted in cheers, drowning out the opening notes of the windy, lo-fi track “Window,” Still Woozy’s first song of the night.

I was expecting a fairly static show, as Still Woozy’s music generally gravitates toward psychedelic chamber pop. With strong synth notes and a dreamy vibe, I didn’t expect to jump to laid-back tracks like “Goodie Bag” or “WTF” that night. I had never been so wrong.

From start to finish, Still Woozy brought an infectious energy to the space. He took every opportunity to get as close to the crowd as possible, climbing over speakers and spending equal time at both ends of the stage. With his shockingly bad dancing skills and amusing banter between songs, Still Woozy made an unforgettable impression on the crowd.

The crowd sang her every word as Tanya, Woozy’s sister and bassist, rocked the stage with every chord. The two, being siblings and obviously very comfortable with each other, created a silly and laid-back relationship as they danced together and interacted with the crowd. Their act made me dance the night away.

I had high expectations for Woozy’s vocal performance – his vocals and sporadic eccentricities define his music – but I had no expectations for his level of showmanship. I was a lifelong fan and knew he made the kind of music you listen to when you go out with a friend or read a book on a rainy day. I was expecting lots of bright colors and Still Woozy riffs on his guitar. What I got was so much better. His band was able to expertly back his stunning vocals to create an immersive concert experience that sounded more like rock than chamber pop.

When the show ended, I was sorry to leave.

Contact Léa Filidore at [email protected]