You Me At Six, Dreamers and Machineheart
Gramercy Theater // New York, NY // February 22nd, 2019
Photos and review by Jess Williams
Machineheart
I arrived at New York’s Gramercy Theater approximately 30 minutes before doors were scheduled to open for Friday evening’s show. Young, eager fans waited around the corner, held back by a large red rope that prevented them from spilling across the entire sidewalk. British alternative rock legends, You Me At Six, were returning to New York for the first time in a while after the release of their most recent record, VI. The band brought along with them indie pop bands machineheart and Dreamers to open the show.
Never before had I seen Gramercy Theater as filled as it was on Friday night. The floor was crammed with people, barricades were to the point of almost bursting with the high energy levels. Looking up to the seated section and beyond, not a single seat was available for the taking. This show wasn’t just sold out…it was sold out. Hailing from the City of Angels, indie pop dream team machineheart kicked off the night. Washed in a pale blue light, lead vocalist Stevie Scott belted lyrics from the band’s debut record, People Change, which came out earlier this month. The infectious beats of their songs paired with the wild hair flips allowed for a good time. Having never heard of this band before that night, they definitely garnered a new fan.
Dreamers
Up next was the hometown trio Dreamers. I’m no stranger to Dreamers, having seen them at many venues and music festivals throughout the ‘Big Apple’. One thing I know about them is they put on a great live performance and their songs are insanely catchy. This performance was no different. The three band members spread evenly across the stage, with a neon sign reading “Dreamers” illuminating them from behind. The band’s high energy effervescent tunes matched the bold and colorful stage presence of lead vocalist Nick Wold. The band’s lengthy set allowed them to play songs from their debut record and more recent EPs including a brand new song that premiered earlier that day called “Die Happy”.
You Me At Six
Arriving fashionably late to the stage, but carrying a killer opening sequence, British alternative rockers, You Me At Six, were finally here. Bathed in a deep red light, lead vocalist Josh Franceschi packed the punches (literally, punching into the air on the downbeats) with their opening song, “Fast Forward”. While Friday night’s performance was supposed to emphasize the band’s recent release, their setlist made sure to cater to their older fans who have been following them since their beginning. When the band began to play “Lived A Life”, screams from some of the band’s most dedicated fans bounced off of the walls.
This was my first time seeing You Me At Six perform live and what I feel was the strongest element of their performance was the level of pure passion and joy that shines through on their faces. Whether it was the guitar/bass solo at the end of “Loverboy” where bassist, Matthew Barnes, played down on one knee while guitarist, Christopher Miller, shredded while leaning over him or the moment that Miller and Franceschi shared right after that, touching foreheads with smiles expanding across their faces. It is always a treat to get to see the happiness that comes from both the fans and the artists, as well as moments where the two passions come together, like when Franceschi reached his hand out into the crowd in a bowing manner to thank the fans for their support.
The “Back Again” tour has only just begun and will travel across North America until mid-March and it is highly suggested that you attend your local date and see for yourself just how great You Me At Six is!
