Concert Review: Winnetka Bowling League Are “Kombucha” Rock In NYC

Humor is quickly becoming a staple for rising artists, but it seems natural. It is usually the lyricists that are more self-analytical and soulfully observant of society’s ills that also have a self-deprecating humor. What can you say? Once you realize how much life sucks, you oddly seek more fun like, Winnetka Bowling League At Gramercy Theatre.

The charm of WBL truly relies on Matthew Koma’s voice and wit. From “Feeling California” to “Are You Ok,” he was so incredibly random with his jokes like, his story of the IG “Hidden Biscuits” and how it led to a song about life going wrong or how his sneakers inspired him to write a song that sounds like porn. I laughed out loud at the relevant irrelevancy of his humor, and how it played to WBL’s themes on the strange “unconnections” we have in this world; the people and situations that oddly link us to each other without our knowing. Their newly released song “Kombucha” spoke to this truth.

Being based on a narcissistic actress working at Whole Foods in LA, Kombucha speaks to the silliness and seriousness of WBL. For them, life, especially the youth, are divided between those that are spiritual and those that are superficial; the ones that want to feel and be good versus the ones that just want to look it. This explains why WBL’s lyrics and rhythms feel like a live-action Instagram story. They are “giphying” and riffing guitar melodies as if to capture life through a sonic lens. This allows their hooks and choruses to feel memorable, and makes their audience want to see them. You laugh and rock on with them like they are your best friends making fun of this crazy world with you. 

Often, I mark the bands that are funny because I love good humor, and it stands out as something integral to the growing fan bases of artists like Phoebe Bridgers or Noah Kahan. It is a symbol of intelligence; moreover, it makes the audience feel like someone “gets” how ridiculous this world can be. Koma’s voice is so distinct and how he shakes around the stage makes you watch him, in anticipation, of what he will do next. Yet, then, you add his humor, and you have a show that you could watch in repeat. For More Information on Winnetka Bowling League Click Here.