written by Teyquil Skelton
The night was full of energy and possibility in Philly as Echosmith landed at World Café Live to bring you the Lonely Generation tour. The band’s latest album was recently released on January 10 and the wait was well worth it.
The crowd eagerly, yet, patiently hung about until the sibling trio appeared. Unfortunately, the youngest of the three, and the drummer of the band, Graham Sierota, became ill just hours before the show. Sydney Sierota poured out her feelings about her baby brother not being present in the performance.
Sydney mentioned that it would be the first show they ever played without Graham. So, who would be the solution to the blues that have arrived here in Philly? Who would be what the band needs for them to have a successful night? Luckily, Joey Sierota, who happens to be the band’s dad, was on the job and as any good father who supports his children, knows just where the healing needs to start as he knew the band’s music and all of Graham’s drum parts.
As the night proceeded, the band gathered themselves and played tremendously to a supporting, engaging, and willing audience who just wanted to share in the moments with Echosmith. As any good concert unfolds, the band took specific times during the show to thank the audience for their continuous support over the last seven years.
One of the ways Echosmith returned their heartfelt gratitude was to perform songs from their Talking Dreams album that was recorded with Warner Bros. Records in 2013. The tunes they played brought up so many memories for those in attendance. Some concert-goers who were in their teens in 2013, are now young adults and was touched by their own first time encountering Echosmith.
Songs like “Bright”, “Cool Kids”, and “Come With Me” were a few of the songs they played from their freshman album and the crowd loved every second of it. The gears began to switch as Echosmith transitioned from freshman to sophomore records. The interesting thing about hearing songs from both albums in one setting was the growth and experience they’ve all embarked on and how much they have grown themselves, musically and as humans.
Sydney sang a song she wrote for her newlywed husband called “Follow You” and the audience was under influence of her voice which was so genuine, soft, and angelic. Then, Sydney and Noah sang together on one of my favorite tracks off the new album called “Everyone Cries”. I was solely engaged watching both Sydney and Noah lay it all on the line with each lyric they articulated either together or solo.
Echosmith knows how to bring you that good feeling and it’s never short of amazing when this band is in anyone’s town killing it the right way. One of the best parts of that night was when the lights stayed low for the song “Bright” every audience member turned on their light from their phones and sang along with Sydney. The mood became peaceful, steady, warm and connected as people gathered hands and gradually submitted to the present moment that was sincerely proposed with no pressure. Noah and Joey played on in support of Sydney’s angelic sound as the room followed her to the very edge and back again.
I must say that this band has so much to offer the music world and they’re on fire in every aspect. Every song, chord, note, melody, and lyric is from somewhere truthful and honest. And if you’ve ever heard their music before this, then you know that commitment is key to the Echosmith process. That’s why fans sing along, hold hands, take pictures, wait in lines, buy merchandise, tune into interviews and discuss a band’s discography. It’s the nostalgia of a band’s journey and the audience wants in on that every single time.
Music has a way of reopening and restarting again, and that lights fuel in a musician because, without it, we’re like superheroes with no powers. We’re like dreams with no opportune time to flourish.
Take a look at their new music video for “Everyone Cries” below!
