AFI performing at Brooklyn Paramount in Brooklyn, NY on October 15, 2025. All photos taken by Jessie Eshak.
Spacey Jane | Brooklyn
Spacey Jane’s September 11th concert turned the atmosphere of the industrial Brooklyn Steel into that of a summer block party. The Australian band’s glowing indie-rock anthems felt all the more familiar performed live, filling the audience with a nostalgia for a moment that hadn’t yet passed.
The comfortable stage presence shared by Caleb Harper, Kieran Lama, Ashton Hardman-Le Cornu, and Peppa Lane eagerly invited the audience into their sun-drenched soiree. Any perceived separation between stage and floor evaporated. Cornu’s high-top Converse and Lane’s ribboned pigtails emphasized the carefree image of a casual kick-back on the lawn. The band frolicked around the stage all night, kicking and jumping like kids on a trampoline, somehow never missing a note.
Their latest album and focus of this tour, If That Makes Sense, released in May. The new record played outside of the bands’ comfort zone, experimenting with production elements and pushing Harper’s range to higher limits. New sonic challenges were conquered while still abiding to Spacey Jane’s signature formula: existential themes sugarcoated by warm guitars and catchy drum beats.
Standout tracks “Through My Teeth” and “Estimated Delivery” from If That Makes Sense kicked off the evening. “Estimated Delivery” was the most anticipated song on the setlist for dedicated Spacey Jane fan Jonathan Kirby. This was his fifth time catching the band in their purest form, as he mentioned, “I’ve also seen them in Austin, Dallas, Chicago, and Brooklyn the last time they were here.” At that last Brooklyn show, his devotion took him as far as bribing the bouncer to get him and seven other friends in after they couldn’t secure tickets.
Longtime listeners like Kirby were in for a treat at the present performance, thanks to a setlist that recognized favorites from across every era of Spacey Jane. As Cornu plucked the first few notes of “Skin,” it was easy to pick out the fans who have been in it for the long run. Smiles swept across their faces as they relished in the sweetness of the band’s first full-length album, Sunlight.
As the show progressed into “Lunchtime” and “Whateverrrr,” the familial feeling strengthened between audience and artists. Harper may have been hitting every lyric just as it sounded on the recorded versions, but that didn’t keep him from sharing the mic. Fans seamlessly took over the chorus of “Whateverrrr” and the callouts of “f*ck this” that decorate “Lunchtime.”
The harmony of electric and acoustic guitar on “Houseplants” soothed the room, preparing the crowd for what Harper referred to as “a Spacey Jane classic.” “Feeding the Family” shot a burst of energy through the audience. It was followed up by “Thrills,” which kept bodies jumping, honoring the band’s garage rock beginnings.
Capitalizing on the bliss of the moment, Lama hopped on the mic to acknowledge that this show in particular was extra special — it was Harper’s birthday. As a member of the bands’ crew brought out a cake with candles ablaze, everyone in attendance broke into a birthday serenade. The moment was without a doubt the most memorable exchange of the night.
Lama thumped the bass drum to resume the setlist with “Headcold.” Hips swayed and heads bopped through the next few songs, but the crowd was careful not to overexert their energy. Anticipation radiated off of them, so thick it could’ve formed a fog. Fans knew the beloved “Booster Seat” was soon to come.
By the time the song hit the chorus, all hands surrendered upwards. Hundreds of voices joined Harper and Lane in singing to the sky. Lane’s delicate backing vocals added a new dimension to the already-atmospheric track.
Their last hurrah — the encore, concluded with “So Much Taller” and “Lots of Nothing.” Harper paraded the mic around like a staff, wrapping his arms around his bandmates, and motioning the crowd to match their energy. His and Lane’s floating harmonies on the bridge of “Lots of Nothing” ended the evening in a lullaby
Concerts often serve as a first or an early introduction between a band and their audience. In the case of this performance, fans left the venue feeling the same fuzziness they would after a reunion with familiar old friends.
The house lights stalled off for a few more minutes while ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” held the tone Spacey Jane had set. Dance circles formed as the remaining crowd took their turn to prance around just as the band had done. For that moment, the ceiling beams opened up to a big blue sky and the concrete floor retreated under lush grass. The room rejoiced in camaraderie and contentment — the kind you’d feel twirling about in your best friend’s backyard.
Words by Emma Ehrhard
Photos by Olive Jolley
Jake Minch | Brooklyn
Jake Minch performing at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn, NY on August 28, 2025. All photos taken by JoAnn Snavely.
Lydia Night | Brooklyn
Lydia Night performing at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn, NY on August 15, 2025. All photos taken by JoAnn Snavely.
benches | Brooklyn
benches performing at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn, NY on August 11, 2025. All photos taken by JoAnn Snavely.
Ocean Alley | Brooklyn
Ocean Alley (with support from Bird and Byron) performing at Brooklyn Paramount in Brooklyn, NY on July 26, 2025. All photos taken by Maddie Barkocy.
Friendship | Brooklyn
Friendship (with support from 2nd Grade and 22° Halo) performing at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn, NY on July 18, 2025. All photos taken by Maddie Barkocy.
Sasha Keable | Brooklyn
Sasha Keable performing at Herbert Von King Park for SummerStage in Brooklyn, NY on July 11, 2025. All photos taken by Janae Stewart.
Amelia Moore | Brooklyn
Amelia Moore performing at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, NY on May 29, 2025. All photos taken by Emily Teubner.
Squid | Brooklyn
Squid (with support from FearDorian) performing at Warsaw in Brooklyn, NY on May 23, 2025. All photos taken by Maddie Barkocy.
Empire Of The Sun | Brooklyn
Empire Of The Sun performing at Under the K Bridge Park in Brooklyn, NY on May 21, 2025. All photos taken by Jen Roman.
Love Spells | Brooklyn
Love Spells performing at Union Pool in Brooklyn, NY on May 3, 2025. All photos taken by Maddie Barkocy.
The Linda Lindas | Brooklyn
The Linda Lindas performing at Brooklyn Steel in Brooklyn, NY on April 22, 2025. All photos taken by Julie Hubschman.
Barry Can't Swim | Brooklyn
Barry Can’t Swim performing at Brooklyn Steel in Brooklyn, NY on April 20, 2025. All photos taken by Inés Valencia.
Parlour Magic + Late Again | Brooklyn
Late Again and Parlour Magic performing at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn, NY on March 28, 2025. All photos taken by Inés Valencia.
Rio Romeo | Brooklyn
Rio Romeo performing at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn, NY on March 26, 2025. All photos taken by Olive Jolley.
Fana Hues | Brooklyn
Fana Hues performing at Baby's All Right in Brooklyn, NY on March 19, 2025. All photos taken by Brandon Lu.
Jigitz | Brooklyn
Jigitz performing at Elsewhere in Brooklyn, NY on February 27, 2025. All photos taken by Inés Valencia.
Good Neighbours | Brooklyn
As the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted in anticipation, eager for Good Neighbours to take the stage. The opening of the set was nothing short of magical. With synths pulsing through the speakers combined with echoes of their voices, the audience was transported into another world. When the band finally stepped onto the stage, a voiceover echoed through the speakers, delivering the iconic line from Ferris Bueller's Day Off: “I've said it before and I'll say it again. Life moves pretty fast, and if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” It was a charming, nostalgic moment that set the tone for the night, capturing the spirit of coming-of-age perfectly.
From the second the band hit the first notes of the song “Keep It Up,” everyone in the venue was moving, dancing along to the beat of the music. Although the majority of the crowd was there for Foster The People, Good Neighbours walked away with a new set of fans. Additionally, the majority of the front row knew all of the words and were wearing Good Neighbours merch.
In between sets, one fan even requested that the band sign his EP vinyl of Good Neighbours. This was a really special moment for both the fan and the band. While opening acts often perform to crowds that aren't familiar with their music, this audience was clearly well-versed in Good Neighbours’ lyrics. It was evident that the band was soaking in the love, as fans passionately sang back every word, creating an electric, mutual appreciation. The connection between the band and the crowd was undeniable, and you could see how much they were feeding off each other’s energy.
It was an all-ages crowd, with people of every generation present, and dancing along to the beats. The East London band's sound is unique, blending a touch of British flair with alternative pop and synchronized rhythms. What really stood out to me was the lead singer, who showcased a remarkable vocal range while also absolutely nailing the drums—a rare and impressive combination, one that isn’t seen too frequently anymore.
Among the band’s hits, the crowd went especially crazy for their unreleased song, “Starry Eye,” that they’ve been teasing at for a while now. The band involved both sides of the venue, having them sing opposing parts of the song. This was a really engaging moment as everyone felt included in this moment, both if they did or didn’t know the band.
As if their energy wasn’t enough, the drummer really stole the show with his exciting and contagious energy. He really showed a more personable side of him, wearing a quirky NYC meatball shirt that perfectly encapsulated the fun vibe of the entire performance, as well as his personality.
There was never a moment when the band stood still. They moved across the stage, waving at fans, bringing even more intensity to the performance, especially when the band encouraged the crowd to sing along. It was the kind of audience interaction that makes a show unforgettable. They even passed around a camera from the back of the venue to the front, for fans to take photos, further engaging and connecting with old and new fans.
The closing song was an absolute highlight—a fun and playful moment where the crowd really let loose in what felt like a “mannequin challenge” on stage, with everyone freezing for a moment. The crowd went absolutely crazy as the final notes rang out. It was the perfect send-off, filled with love, laughter, and pure joy.
Good Neighbours has a bright future ahead of them, and I can’t wait to hear more from them. Their sound, stage presence, and infectious energy have a way of making you feel like you’re right there with them, living in the moment. If you ever get the chance to see them live, don’t miss it. They’re well on their way to becoming the next big indie sensation.
Words and photos by Catherine Herber
The Vices | Brooklyn
The Vices performing at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn, NY on February 20, 2025. All photos taken by Olive Jolley.