Hands down one of the most slept on albums from 2017 was Goodnight Rhonda Lee by Nicole Atkins (via Single Lock Records), and when we found out she was coming back to New York City to play Baby’s All Right, we knew exactly where we’d be on April 28th.
Atkins is touring in support of the said fantastic album, and rightfully so – it’s one of 2017’s best albums that critics seemed to have completely missed. Gone was the more classic indie-rock sound and in its place was a more soulful sound, which goes perfectly with the lyrics on the album. Atkins did not shy away from playing most of the material off the album, and we weren’t complaining one bit. Along of the ride and kicking things off for the night before Atkins took the stage were Hiko Men and Indianola.
First up was Hiko Men, a 2-piece hailing from NYC. With some creative percussion, the band pulled off some sonic sound and arrangements that I didn’t think were possible with a 2-piece but they definitely surprised us with their set. Mid-set they mentioned that they’re working on new material and we’re certainly excited to see whats next for the band.
Next up was Indianola, a band hailing from Nashville (the new home base of Atkins). This was our first time catching the band live and after a shaky start with an uncooperative bass amp, they powered through their set and genuinely surprised us. Their sound feels massive yet grounded in the most humbling way possible, especially in the small space that is Baby’s All Right. There wasn’t any over the top guitar playing, but really smart interplay between the members that felt fresh and new. They played a few songs off their EP and also gave us a preview of new music coming later this year which sounded really, really good. Consider us excited for their first full length (whenever that will drop, as we’ll be eagerly awaiting it).
Finally, it was time for Atkins to take the stage and boy she did not disappoint at all.  Her band consisted of members of the opening band Indianola and the sound that was coming from her and the band sounded almost too big for Baby’s (in the best way possible). Between the members of Indianola hailing from Nashville as well as Atkins’ recent move there, the Nashville sound was definitely present throughout her set and we were not complaining at all. She played the usual staples in her set as well as a solid chunk off of Goodnight Rhonda Lee, similar to her set from Mercury Lounge from late last year.  For me, the standout tracks were one of 2017’s best songs, “Sleepwalking,” as well as “A Little Crazy,” “Listen Up,” “Brooklyn’s on Fire” and of course the always epic “The Way it Is.”
We’re hoping Atkins comes back to New York again very soon as she is one to not miss and I don’t think we’ll ever get tired of seeing her, ever. Her show is energetic, fun and full of amazing stories (that we won’t spoil here… you just have to go to a show and hear for yourself)!
For more photos of Hiko Men, Indinanola and Nicole Atkins, scroll below:
Hiko Men:
Indianola:
Nicole Atkins:
Join the conversation