If you haven’t gotten the memo, it’s warm weather, sunny skies, and sunglasses from now on. That’s due to THE ELOVATERS officially declaring an “Endless Summer”. With their newest album out, and their tour sweeping the country until at least March, it’s safe to say the dudes from Boston are trying to cure people’s seasonal depression one song at a time. This is no exaggeration when I say this either, it was 80 degrees in late October in NYC that day!
First and foremost, SURFER GIRL went crazy. We have to be forever grateful for the insanely talented, extremely energetic, and what I would learn later that night maybe the nicest dude ever, Carter Reeves. The lead singer for the trio has firmly taken his place in this scene and the band is a must-see live act. My early 20s soundtrack had his old band AER all over it, so to finally get to see him live after all that time was an honor. They immediately had the crowd smiling and dancing with their upbeat tunes. With a tour that has them as an opening act, you know you’re in for an amazing night!
Speaking of soundtracks to fun nights, the Malibu-born hip-hop legend SHWAYZE, was in the building showcasing everything that made him a household name for so long. From Billboard soaring tracks to an MTV reality show obviously titled “Buzzin”, to songs with our favorites like Slightly Stoopid and Dirty Heads, this man has done it all. If you told me in 2011, while he was making a track with Kendrick Lamar, that he’d one day be in the Reggae Rock scene, I’d say you’re crazy. I’m sure glad he’s here with us now though. During his set, he ran through all the favorites in his discography with an emphasis on his newer stuff. Hip Hop with a live band is one of my favorite things to watch. Shway SZN seems like it’s here to stay and I love to see it!
In my opinion, this year has belonged to The Elovaters. The growth this band has made recently is incredible! At this point, they are full-blown rock stars, and I truly believe they are only a couple of steps away from being one of the GOATs in this scene. With Jackson’s voice as smooth as a Jayson Tatum step-back three, Johnny Blaze shredding wearing a well-deserved stank face, Nick controlling the kit with extreme force while adding great harmonies, Greggy Keys tickling the ivories perfectly, and Matt slappin da bass all over the stage with his beautiful mane flowing, these dudes have it all. I don’t know how they even pick a set list with a catalog that has a grand total of zero bad songs in it. Most importantly, they stood on that stage and looked grateful that they got to do what they loved, and the love was sent right back to them. All The Elovated Ones in attendance sang every word back to them and the night was full of good vibes from start to finish.
This tour is perfect, see it when it rolls through your city and you will not be disappointed. Thank you to all the bands for putting on a great show, and thank you Ineffible Records for everything they are doing for music right now.
Written by The Reggae Plug.