Concert Review: VHS Collection Pop In To Mercury Lounge

If Mike and Eleven from Stranger Things ever deserved a soundtrack to their love, I nominate VHS Collection. Thanks to Gov Ball NYC, those that could not journey to the fest, or at least did not want it to end, were able to VHS Collection pop in for a show at Mercury Lounge. Bombastic, colorful, and 80’s bound, it was hard not to gun it to 88 and go Back To The Future with these guys.

You cannot beat the 80’s when it comes to zooming a vibe, but when you are, technically, clubbing in the “morning” hours, it has a strangely exciting impact. It might be because VHS Collection hails from New York, but they brought a swirl of disco retro mashed with some fresh futurism. It was as if we were in Studio 5488…. a hot new dance club that is based in the 80’s; more than 3000 years in the future. If that does not sound like a dance club/ film you want to attend then you are crazy. Think of the drama!

VHS Collection is not just exciting, but their sound is oddly dramatic. Their intros, melodies, and beat drops feels like Scarlet O’Hara and Donna Summer decided to have a groovy dance-off for James Bohannon’s heart. This man is his own audience #letmeexplain. He gets so connected to the crowd and giving them a moment to remember; it is as if he is trying to entertain and see himself through their enjoyment. Yet, this helps him bring out the “drama”/ romanticism of his songs like, “Ghost”, “Waiting On The Summer”, and “Sign”. Similar to Lo Moon, VHS Collection uses synths like love’s platform; she steps on and poses with each rhythm and verse her dreams and dilemmas. Yet. because they are such a fun group, I kept on thinking of young love like Stranger Things.

It is a unique thing to say you are “young” in an adult relationship. To be in your early twenties or even late teens and feel you have the loyalty and companionship with someone that seems beyond your years. Yet, there is something eternally energizing about good, young love. As Bohannon’s voice feels flawless and unblemished. He may be singing to the “Fire” of love, but he sizzle the virtuosity of it. For More Information On VHS Collection Click Here.