Almost a year after the release of Jagwar Ma’s first full length album Howlin’, the general public is finally starting to catch on to the magic that members Gabriel Winterfield, Jono Ma, and Jack Freeman have created. Jagwar Ma has constructed an entire album out of their ability to compose heavily produced synth-pop dance beats, along with psychedelic elements, keeping everyone’s ears and feet wanting more.
Jagwar Ma is easily my favorite up and coming band at the moment, so seeing them live is something that I will never pass up, and nor should you. Together, they take the songs of Howlin’ and bring in even more of a dance edge, yet maintain a trippy ambiance that keeps you lost in the sounds. In the live setting you feel the emotion coming out of Gabe with each word he sings, or screams. He would grab at his chest and exert so much energy into each song that at times he would be left hunched over as he was singing into the mic. Jono stays in the back, acting as the silent mastermind who puts it all together, all while sneaking in those dirty synth lines. Jack’s endurance is something to admire, jumping up and down non-stop, never missing a beat. The energy and intensity that their show gives off is something incomparable, something other dance acts should take note of.
Seeing them a few months ago at Coachella to this show at Webster Hall showed me how much they’ve grown as a band in such a short time. They aren’t so rigid with the delivery and flow of the songs, they have fun with it, looping them faster, slower, altering vocals. I appreciate not seeing the same show twice.
Starting up the show with album opener “What Love” prepared the crowd for what was about to ensue. “Uncertainty” is perfection on record, yet is somehow enhanced in the live setting. I’ll thank Jono for that. “The Throw” resonated because as Gabe would sing the airy lyrics “entice my love” the song took on a whole new meaning as the crowd would be singing it back to them-you could feel everyone in Webster Hall falling more and more in love with Jagwar Ma as artists with each and every passing note and lyric.
Not to mention they played some incredible covers like Michaels Jacksons “Don’t Stop” and Nirvana’s “All Apologies.” “Don’t Stop” was a highlight because it confused everyone. The crowd was singing since we all know the words but it took a few for everyone to grasp the fact that they are covering the King of Pop. The place erupted.
Jagwar Ma is currently working on their second album and hopefully by the time it comes out, their music will receive even more recognition, because they truly deserve it. Get excited for the next installment, they are only going to get better.
Below find photos of Jagwar Ma and Cities Aviv, who opened the show.
Jagwar Ma:
Cities Aviv:
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