Del Water Gap Headlines at The Stoop
I can't believe it took me a whole year to check out Drexel's house show scene. Seriously, what was the wait for? But, I think I picked the right one, because The Stoop was hosting a show last weekend, and our favorites in Del Water Gap were headlining. (Read our in-depth interview from February with the band here.)
While St. Joe's is just getting started in hosting small basement shows, Drexel has already got it down. Also on the lineup for the night were Honey Tiger and The Bunks, two city bands that were unfamiliar to me, but felt like old friends by the end of the night. That's the thing about house shows. I love that the bands stick around and hang out with the crowd. Dylan and I easily made connections with the hosts and the artists. So just like that, we've already got a foot in another school's scene. That's what makes music so fucking awesome.
Honey Tiger, copyright Dylan Eddinger Photography
Honey Tiger, an eclectic duo who let off some Alt-J vibes, opened the night. They're worth checking out further, for sure. They're in the running to play at Firefly, and they've got a vote from us!
During The Bunks set, the crowd had started to gain speed as the band played lots of originals off of a newly released EP. These guys absolutely shred like there was nothing else in the world. They were a really fun group to watch. They've got a release show coming up on May 28th down at the Jersey Shore. Check it out if you're heading out that way.
The Bunks, copyright Dylan Eddinger Photography
Throughout the night, we chatted with as many people as possible, but it was so great to see Holden, Charlie, Will, and Chris of DWG again. They've become some of our favorite people to talk to when they're around, and they're absolutely a pleasure to write about. (It's obvious that we came to the show that night for them).
Del Water Gap opened with "Deirdre, Pt. 1" off of their newest EP, "1(646) 943 2672 (Extended Play)." Check out our review here. I've listened to DWG's songs in so many different ways, from quiet acoustic recordings to small live shows to, now, a heavy basement set, and each time they are so satisfying in different ways. This band is very multi-dimensional, and that's what makes them so great. These guys could literally play anywhere and make it work. While their sound was notably different from the other bands, their set was clearly the favorite of the night. The crowd was synchronously moving the entire time; it was amazing to feel a part of that.
Del Water Gap, copyright Dylan Eddinger Photography
They played for over an hour, giving us nearly every song they had, ending on "Lamplight" and "High Tops." I'm always ridiculously grateful to bands who are willing to do that, who are willing to share so much of themselves with a group of complete strangers.
If I felt completely elated to hear everyone singing along to "Vanessa" and begging the band to play ONE MORE ONE MORE, then I can't even imagine how they felt. It's got to be one of the best feelings in the whole world.
Del Water Gap, copyright Dylan Eddinger Photography
Drexel ended our year on a high, high note. We will definitely be back in the fall to see what other shows you have to offer. If they're anything like this one, then our expectations are nothing but great.