Riding off the success of their hit new single “Love is a Burden,” rock duo Jamestown Revival performed at a sold out venue, Bowery Ballroom on Monday October 24 2016. The whole place was packed with eager fans stomping and shouting to every lyric, dancing the night away.
Prior to the performance, there was an intimate meet and greet where Zach Chance and Jonathan Clay personally chatted with the people that participated and took pictures freely. They made everyone feel comfortable and welcome in their presence and the night was filled with great food and drinks. They have had a busy month promoting their sophomore album The Education of a Wandering Man doing a SnapChat takeover for V magazine that showcased some behind the scenes action, hosted a Billboard FaceBook Live chat and performed on Late Night with Conan. It was revealed during the meet and greet that the title for their album was inspired by one of their favorite author Louie L’amor.
After the opening act Jonny Fritz warmed up the audience Jamestown Revival took the stage at 10 p.m. Staying true to their style, both of them wore button down shirts and jeans while Zach rocked a fedora hat. They opened their set with a crowd pleaser “Journeyman.” Throughout the set of fifteen songs, which was a mixed combination from their debut and sophomore album, it was mostly filled with upbeat music that lifted the crowd to jump and move with them. Many times, they invited the audience to do a sing along with them and it’s clear that the audience had been long time fans, as many knew every word to every song. In between songs, the audience would shout out their love for the band and the band warmly replied back, expressing their gratitude for the fans support.
Several songs stood out the night. Zach got personal and revealed the inspiration behind “Done Me Wrong.” It was about an ex-girlfriend of his. Many in the crowd seemed to resonate with the lyrics as they fist pumped all the way through. Another highlight was “Wandering Man,” where Jamestown Revival recounted their days before they were signed to Republic Records, touring and sleeping at the back of their car before a segue way into one of their other hits, “California.” The whole crowd went wild and you could feel the venue shake as everyone was moving in unison to the rhythm.
With simple but deeply universal lyrics such as “Love is a burden, it’s bringing me down, like a heavy load” paired with an undeniably catchy tune, it is clear why “Love is a Burden” was chosen as the lead single. You could feel the energy that the song brings and both of them commented afterwards that “that’s the best this song ever felt” as the crowd screamed in reply.
Throughout the night there were several quiet moments where their beautiful singing voices were accompanied by only the guitar. They harmonized with each other on the song, “Almost All The Time,” which John dedicated to his wife and his 1-year-old baby.
All in all this was a great show and for sure Jamestown Revival will be a name many more will know in the coming year.
-Summer Luk
Photo Credit: Summer Luk
