Brooklyn Steel played host to an evening of alternative rock on August 7, as the English band Bôa, renowned for their track “Duvet,” took the stage alongside the up-and-coming shoegaze act sweet93. The sold-out venue buzzed with anticipation, a testament to Bôa’s appeal across decades and the growing hype surrounding sweet93.
sweet93 opened the night with a unique blend of lo-fi and Korean rock, thoroughly exciting the audience. Led by Chloe Kohanski, known for winning The Voice, the band blends ’90s alternative rock with dreamy shoegaze. Swirling guitar effects, a steady rhythm, and Kohanski’s airy and powerful vocals pulled the audience into their brooding world. Their understated but extremely engaging stage presence showed each member’s commitment to the music, and by the end, they had won over much of the early crowd.
Going deeper into their performance, sweet93’s song selection showcased a mature sound for a relatively newer band. They opened with “Ghost in the Machine,” a track that immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention due to the performative dancers and unique flair of the song. From there, they transitioned into the more edgy “Fade to Grey” before building the energy again with “Honeycomb.” Their set included tracks such as “Static Bloom” and “Ephemeral Bliss.” They finished out their set with “Starlight Fades,” a melancholic and powerful closing number that left a lasting impression. In short, sweet93 offered a well-crafted and engaging opening set that perfectly set the stage for the headliners.
Following a short intermission, the lights dimmed once more, and Bôa took their stage to a wave of fiery applause. The band, consisting of Jasmine Rodgers on vocals, Steve Rodgers on guitar and vocals, Alex Caird on bass, and Lee Sullivan on drums, maintained a seasoned confidence only seen by veterans of the industry. Starting off, they treated the audience to a selection of tracks from their latest album, Whiplash, demonstrating their continued evolution and exploration of new and unfamiliar rock sounds.
As the set progressed, Bôa seamlessly integrated fan favorites from their extensive back catalog. Their performance was characterized by Jasmine Rodgers’ vocals, which effortlessly shifted between delicate whispers and powerful melodies, and the intricate guitar work of Steve Rodgers. The band opened with their new single, “Walk With Me,” before moving on into “Fool You Twice” and the title track from their new album, “Whiplash.” They then balanced these new songs with older classics such as “Fragile” and “Twilight.” The emotional core of the evening was hosted by tracks like “Anna-Marie” and “Anthem.” The crowd’s reaction was overwhelming throughout. Their performance of both new and old material was rewarded with a two-song encore that included “Somewhere” before they closed the night out with their most famous song, “Duvet.”
Naturally, the anticipation for “Duvet” was palpable throughout the night. When the familiar opening chords finally resonated through Brooklyn Steel, a collective buzz erupted from the audience. The performance of their iconic song was nothing short of mesmerizing. Jasmine Rodgers’ voice carried the song’s ethereal melody perfectly. The band delivered a rendition that honored the original while injecting new energy. It was undeniably the emotional peak of the concert, with many in the crowd singing along to every word. In essence, “Duvet” proved its enduring power to connect with listeners across generations.
The curated selection of songs ensured that both longtime fans and those newer to their music found a connection. By the time the final notes of their encore faded, it was clear that Bôa had delivered a memorable performance. The concert at Brooklyn Steel, featuring the opening set from sweet93 and the performance by Bôa, was a resounding success. Leaving attendees with a lingering sense of musical satisfaction and hunger for more.
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