Concert Review: Rayland Baxter Is A Philosopher At Brooklyn Steel
Rayland Baxter is the most easy-going person in the universe. As he looked upon the crowd to say, “This is what it is all about. Us. Universes and sunsets and dreams,” I thought, “Yes.” At Brooklyn Steel, his songs felt like the most gorgeous conversation you could have, on the meaning of life, with a stranger.
You ever go to a party and end up having the most randomly rich, philosophical discussion with someone over chips, beer, and a Spotify playlist? Rayland Baxter is that “someone.” He is incredibly serene and warm in presence, which made his audience feel cozied. Perhaps I never noticed before, but this was the first concert where I saw a lot of hugging. From lovers to friends, people simply held each other, and swayed to songs such as, “Olivia,” “Casanova,” and “Yellow Eyes.” Vocally, for having such a golden brimming voice, Baxter felt beautifully neutralizing. He doesn’t aim to spark emotional fires or douse them. Instead, he wants you to look at what makes your heart sentimentally burn or quell.
From “Mr. Rodriguez“ to “Let It All Go, Man,” Baxter’s verses were poetical and ranged, yet he felt stilling; as if the universe revolved around him and his mic. Melodically, rhythms flowed from sunny to seedy, but he always had a light- heartedness; shaking his folksy guitar as if it’s notes were loose change. Rocking a fisherman’s cap and overalls, Baxter moved as if Wes Anderson directed Almost Famous; he was simultaneously quirky and pure rock n’ roll. Yet, his uniqueness did not only come from appearing like a genuinely kind guy, but because he does performance “no-no’s” that work for him.
Anyone who has ever taken a course in performance knows that the adviser will tell you to come to the front of the stage and stand out and away from your “backing cast.” Rayland Baxter does the opposite. He stays on the outliers surrounded by his exceptional band, and feeling like another member of the jam session. His grounded nature makes the night breeze, and sparks his crowd to love his every move. He banters with them and smiles as they, literally, cheer his existence for whistling mid-song. If humanity loved each other that much for whistling, there would be no war. I think the Rayland Baxter would agree. For More Information On Rayland Baxter Click Here
