Concert Review: The Heavy Bring Halloween NOLA Vibes To Webster Hall
Alright, how do I gush about The Heavy’s epic Webster Hall concert? As I write, I smile with admiration because not many artists treat the stage with respect, love, and grandeur quite like lead singer Kelvin Swaby. He enters the stage like the World Champion of The World. He is 100% an entertainer with a charm and warmth that carries audiences for the nearly 80 minutes run of hit after hit.
You may know The Heavy from their massive, commercial hit “How You Like Me Now”. but this band a bucketload of songs that carry the same amount of dynamism burgeoning through them like a bonfire. Songs like Miss California, Curse Me Good, and What Happened To The Love? had the crowd jumping so high, they almost forgot their was a roof above their head. Yet, that level of unawareness beyond how good you feel in the moment is led by Kelvin Swaby, whom might as well be the living definition of a party. His naughty banter, friendly jokes, and overall friendliness with the viewers made everyone feel welcomed to sing along with him. The confidence he gave audience members to sing and dance was a major feat because Swaby can move and sing as if he was born from Music, itself. He has a voice that makes sure every word and note is sealed with sentimental value. Thus, it was his natural openness that turned the night into one of oddly, amazing karaoke. Swaby is so loving to his fans that when you sing with him, you think you are singing your favorite song with your best friend. He is so casual and cool that it magnetizes his stage presence, and makes you feel connected to him personally.
There is an innate charisma to lead sing Kevin Swaby. He is the man that assures every singly person at a gathering is having a memorable time. His attention to personal connection with viewers is what made Webster Hall feel almost like Madison Square. The Heavy played a set that was befitting of a huge and acclaimed arena. Their ability to fill the space with an energy that seems confined unless in its natural habitat, Heaven. I was genuinely moved by this capacity because I have witnessed artists in concert treat halls like Webster or Music Hall of Williamsburg as if it were beneath them. Truthfully, I have seen artists treat Madison Square Garden as if it were a boring space. Yet, The Heavy treated their music and fans as if they were all celestial. The irony of their sky- soaring performance is that their sound feels based in the underground of a New Orleans Halloween Festival.
From booming drums, rasp, soulful vocals, haunting lyrics, and guitar rhythms that sound like ghosty cries, The Heavy could headline the Voodoo Festival for eternity with how well they embody New Orleans’ love for partying and slight mischief. Moreover, their stamina and passion at playing a near two hour show, which included a magnificent encore did honor to NOLA’s eternal and energizing ambiance. Hence, their concert felt like a party that everyone could live in forever, When Swaby ended the night it almost felt sad, as if everyone there had been so transported to a place of joy that the reality of this ending moment felt surreal. That kind of power as a musician, to make audiences want to stay in your music forever, is what makes The Heavy a band of artists. For More Information on The Heavy And To Buy Their Newest, Amazing Album, The Hurt & Merciless: Click Here.
