Written and photographed by Aysia Marotta
It’s always incredible to hear a band reminisce about how just a year ago, they were writing songs in the basement of their guitarist’s house. Andy Tongren, lead singer of Young Rising Sons, opened up to the crowd (of mostly screaming teenage girls) last night, humbly thanking them for helping their dreams come true. The New Jersey indie rock band have come a long way from writing music in basements, signing a deal with Interscope records, releasing their self-titled debut EP, and now their North American tour with The 1975.
Young Rising Sons opened up night 1 of The 1975’s two-night sold out gig with CRUISR, with an adrenaline packed set. As Andy crooned the crowd of swooning fans, guitarist Dylan Scott thrashed around stage, pumping his fists, requesting more energy from the already electrifying crowd. Their set included their single “High”, which is getting much air play since being featured on numerous music blogs, as well as in the trailer for Jason Bateman’s film This Is Where I Leave You. They also included a cover of Modern English’s “I Melt With You”. YSR started off the night with a bang, followed by a strong set from Philly based band CRUISR, and the night only got better from there.
As 9 p.m. rolled around, the house lights dimmed, only to be lit by the strobes coming from the stage – which as die-hard fans of The 1975 know, it’s almost show time.
At 9:35, the strobes began to flickr, the haze machines were turned on, and Matty and the boys emerged onto the stage to the shrill cries of prepubescent teenagers proclaiming their love for the Manchester born rockers.
Accompanying lead singer Matthew Healy on stage was his signature bottle of red wine and cigarettes, which he has mentioned before, “calmed his nerves” while performing.
Opening with their title appropriate song “The City”, and pumping out hits such as “Settle Down” “Pressure” and “M.O.N.E.Y.”, the boys had the crowd singing and swaying the whole night through.
For being a band from England, their music makes you feel like a New Yorker – especially hearing it played live at a sold out show in the city. When you leave the venue, the neon buzzes a bit brighter and you feel butterflies in your stomach — like you’re about to embark on an adventure that only New York City has to offer. Not many bands are capable of evoking such feelings. I think that’s what gets me going back to their shows as often as I do.
Aysia Marotta is a photographer, aspiring film maker, and writer based in Brooklyn, New York. She is a full-time student, majoring in Documentary Film Production with a minor in Marketing. Currently, Aysia is also a freelance production assistant and camera assistant for films and commercials, with a goal of one day becoming a Director of Photography. When she’s not on set, she can be found (with camera in hand, of course) traveling, at live music events, or at the park with her dogs! Be sure to check out her work here: www.aysiaandhercamera.com
