Capping off a raucous day of punk energy and loud guitars at the inaugural Bond Street Block Party in Asbury Park on September 20th, Levitation Room took the opportunity to push the limits of psych-rock by transporting the rowdy New Jersey crowd into a different dimension entirely. Headlining the daylong musical marathon, the California-cool quartet mesmerized both seasoned rockers and curious onlookers alike with their infectious grooves, soaring guitar work, and a sound that seamlessly blends the future with the past.
Hailing from East LA, Levitation Room has been steadily rising in the psych-rock revival scene since forming in 2012. Built around the vision of frontman Julian Porte, the band features the lyrical finesse and swirling guitar work of Gabriel Fernandez, the tight and dynamic rhythm section of bassist Kevin Perez and drummer Jonathan Martin, and an unmistakable vintage sound that nods to both the acid-tinged past and the genre-bending future of rock music. With a discography that includes standout releases like Ethos, Headspace, and 2024’s Strange Weather, the band has carved out a distinct sonic space where introspection meets groove and psych meets soul. From the moment they walked on stage in Asbury Park, it was clear that Levitation Room is a band that knows how to elevate a crowd.
The night kicked off with a hypnotic instrumental intro, “Pintura,” which set the tone with its slinky bassline and repetitive guitar lick. As Porte looped the infectious motif, it seamlessly transitioned into “Cool It, Baby,” and the energy of the night began to take flight. The crowd, which had been standing in the warmth of an early fall evening, was now fully engaged in the music, swaying and moving to the rhythm of Levitation Room’s sonic propulsion.
Bassist Kevin Perez’s rhythm section work stood out immediately, locking in with Martin’s dynamic drumming to drive the groove forward with precision. On “Reasons Why,” the two locked into a groove that felt both tight and explosive, with Perez leading the charge and Martin’s drums delivering the perfect balance of control and ferocity. The chemistry between the two was palpable, building a solid foundation for the rest of the band to experiment and soar.
When the band launched into “Mr. Polydactyl Cat,” the opening track from their 2019 album Headspace, it was clear this was a band that could handle rock’s most unpredictable moments. Even when Fernandez snapped a string mid-song, he seamlessly borrowed a friend’s Gibson SG and played on without missing a beat. Like a chameleon adapting to its surroundings, Fernandez didn’t just recover, he thrived, further proving the band’s musical agility and professionalism.
It was evident from the start that Levitation Room came armed not just with great songs, but with a different level of swagger. A confident, unhurried West Coast energy that contrasted with the day’s more aggressive punk acts. They weren’t just playing a show, they were showing Jersey what it means to be California cool. What really set their performance apart, though, was the seamless flow from past hits to brand new material, offering fans both a nostalgic trip through their catalog and a tantalizing glimpse into what’s to come. From the sun-drenched haze of “Strange Weather” to the aching beauty of “Immortal Love,” each song was delivered as a tight, focused vignette. Never overstaying its welcome, but always leaving the listener wanting more. It was a psychedelic sampler platter, expertly curated.
Then came the moment for new material. Porte invited the audience to grab someone special and dance, as the band debuted a yet-untitled song (playfully noted as “The New New” on the setlist). Dreamy, romantic, and unmistakably Levitation Room, it offered a shimmering glimpse into the band’s creative future. That was followed by the recently released single “It Happens All The Time,” a track that builds upon their classic psych motifs while pushing into more polished, hook-driven territory.
As the set neared its close, the band dipped into their earliest work, treating longtime fans to the slow-burning “Friends” and the heartfelt “There Are No Words” from their debut Mind of Our Own. These songs showed the band’s range, starting slow and building to powerful crescendos. Porte’s vocals strengthened with every track, lending an emotional depth to the performance that only made the crowd more invested in the journey.
The final stretch was an absolute blast, with the band charging into “Strangers” and “Revelations,” the latter being an earworm of a track that features tempo shifts and a relentlessly catchy chorus. It was at this point, with the crowd fully immersed in the rhythm of Levitation Room’s groove, that the band looked poised to push the night to a new level. Unfortunately, city curfew rules curtailed the night just before they could play the final two songs on their setlist, leaving fans hungry for more. Yet, the crowd’s reaction spoke volumes. There was a shared sense of excitement and satisfaction, as if everyone on Bond Street knew they had just witnessed something special.
As the evening wound down and the crowd began to disperse into the nearby bars, there was an undeniable buzz in the air. Levitation Room had not only delivered a stellar performance, but they’d also shown the potential to become one of the leading lights in modern psych-rock. The first-ever Bond Street Block Party was an undeniable success, and Levitation Room’s set was a reminder that great live music transcends genre, mood, and time. With limitless potential, a timeless sound, and charisma to spare, this LA outfit made their mark on the Jersey Shore in a big way. The only thing left to do now is hope they return to the area soon, because this band has everything it takes to make the stars seem just a little bit closer.
Levitation Room | September 20, 2025 | Bond Street Block Party | Asbury Park, NJ
Setlist: Pintura > Cool It Baby, Reasons Why, Mr. Polydactyl Cat, Strange Weather, Pass It On, Immortal Love > New Song, Ooh Child, It Happens All the Time, Friends, There Are No Words, Strangers, Revelations.
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