Lissie @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC

Live Reviews | Apr 20th, 2016

Written By: Matt

Lissie, Skrizzly Adams @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC (11)

Date: April 18, 2016
Opener: Skrizzly Adams
Band Website: http://www.lissie.com/

On Monday, Lissie returned to New York to perform her latest songs from the new record “My Wild West.” The sold out show was held at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC. Another Monday night show, further proving NYC doesn’t care what night of the week it is. People will come out for a great night of music regardless. It’s been 11 years since I was last down at the Bowery Ballroom for a show. I was looking forward to checking out Lissie’s performance for the first time and she was simply amazing!

Opening the show was Skrizzly Adams, a singer-songwriter who hails from the NY tri state area. The group warmed up the crowd nicely as the place started to fill in. A blend of rock and folk, the crowd enjoyed what they heard so far. Skrizzly Adams’ musicians also would be playing a double set that night as they would be playing behind Lissie. Skrizzly Adams announced at the end of his set that he would be selling merch and beef jerky. A passion of his. I didn’t try any although I was hungry.

Lissie was up next and started off by playing her first single from the new album “Hero.” The audience roared with excitement as the powerful and electric singer kicked things off. At times, you stand in there in awe of how much control and range Lissie has. All of us there already knew this from listening to the records, but seeing Lissie perform live is just confirmation. Lissie also has quite the stage presence. Hair whipping around, rockin’ out, belting out tune after tune, the crowd was loving it. The setlist featured songs from all 3 full length records. Some of my favorites from the night were “Sleepwalking,” “Don’t You Give Up On Me,” “When I’m Alone,” and “Daughters.”

The song of the night however was one of remembrance. “Sun Keeps Risin’” is a song about Lissie losing her Aunt to ALS, a terrible disease with no known cure or cause. As Lissie was describing the inspiration for the song, you could tell it was so hard to get to write that song to begin with. Fans already knew what to expect and were anticipating a memorable performance, especially this new song from “My Wild West.” As the song played, one woman bolted for the back in a hurry, saying “Nope, not going to do it.” Several others followed suit. I knew right there that this song was going to hit us all and it certainly did. I don’t think a dry eye was left in the house. I immediately thought about losing my father to Pancreatic Cancer almost a year ago and each note that was hit, was like chills down my spine. It was quite a challenge trying to take photos during that song. The words rang true for many who have lost loved ones. Lissie and the band were emotional as was the audience. Some songs just hit home in a way that you can’t control how it impacts you. “Sun Keeps Risin’” is one of them.

You have to admire Lissie’s passion for her art. Such vibrancy, excitement and talent exudes from Lissie’s performances. Letting the audience in on her personal adventures, like moving from California to Iowa and becoming an independent artist once again. Also, Lissie explained how she wanted each tour to take a band along on the road to open for her and then stick around and play for her set. It seems to be working great so far! I loved the show. Lissie has impeccable range and quite talented on the guitar as well.

Check out the photos below and here are the links to the full albums: