Telescreens

The setlist began on an absolute tear with back-to-back hits including “Baby I Know You Well,” “Other Side of Town,” “Preacher,” and “Comedown.” These songs were incredibly powerful for beginning the set, enrapturing the audience immediately. The band’s unbelievably high energy also made these songs louder and more intense, aiding in the explosive start. “Comedown” with its Interpol-style guitars and extended outro seemed to be a crowd favorite, alongside their hit “Baby I Know You Well” with its catchy chorus and addictive melody.

The band’s energy was a crucial element to the show. Even before the band took the stage, band members including lead singer Jackson Hamm and keys player Josiah Valerius were dancing to their pre-show playlist while setting up, foreshadowing their contagious energy. Throughout the show, Jackson made it a point to tell the crowd to not be afraid to move, bump into people, “throw some weight around,” not a particularly difficult task since the band was so loud the air coming out of the speakers made the hair on your arms stand up.

While the crowd was slow to warm up, the band never let it affect their energy. Telescreens is not necessarily a band that makes it possible to remain stagnant, therefore, the crowd eventually caught onto the energy and became what the band deserved. The audience had redeemed themselves so much to the point where the band came back to perform “Lost” after walking off after “Nothing.”

Jumping into the crowd within the first song, Jackson Hamm proved to be an unforgettable frontman. He was constantly standing on a speaker encouraging the crowd to sing along, yelling so loud without a mic that he was heard throughout the venue, and projecting his angsty vocals that felt incredibly authentic. However, the rest of the band also does an extraordinary job at keeping up and maintaining Hamm’s lead. Drummer Oliver Graf contributed to the hard-hitting sound that moved the crowd and sustained the band’s energy, bass player Austin Brenner kept pace with the frontman with his booming sound and entertaining presence, all while keys player Josiah Valerius added the key elements to Telescreens unique sound.

Keyboards and synths are a major part of what adds texture to Telescreens’ gritty New York rock style, completely at the forefront of their live show. Whether it be the unique, whiny synth in the crowd pleaser “Nothing,” or the melodic synth in “Preacher,” the keys are always present.

While individual members stick out at certain times, it is most definitely a collective energy between the band to keep the show going. It’s hard to put into words how magnetic Telescreens are on stage, in addition to being extremely personable, taking the time to meet attendees, shaking hands and learning everybody’s name.