ST. LUCIA ELEVATES CROWD AT JBTV

Electrifying indie-pop band, St. Lucia graced the JBTV stage for the second time and gave an energetic performance to a packed studio on October 3, 2018 — just hours before their sold out show at Concord Music Hall. 
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Prior to St. Lucia’s set, for the duration of the soundcheck lead singer, Jean-Philip Grobler, and multi-instrumentalist, Patti Beranek’s son, Indy, took center stage at JBTV -- most of the staff noting his high level of energy and future in the music industry, despite being nine months old. Indy was definitely a nice addition to the day’s activities at JBTV; Grobler noting that his son has already shown signs of being very musical.

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Having just embarked on the North American tour for their newest effort, Hyperion, fans didn’t know what exactly to expect of the band, in regards to new material and new antics contained within the band’s performance. However, all in attendance were pleasantly surprised to witness an amalgamation of old and new songs, including some ballads as well as upbeat ones.

Blending elements from their older work by incorporating fan-favorites into their set such as “Elevate” and “Before the Dive” and adding in newer songs like “Next to You” and “Bigger”, St. Lucia’s set was truly a memorable one at JBTV. Not to mention that fact that the band restarted “A Brighter Love” three times due to a malfunction of drummer, Dustin Kaufman’s drum machine equipment as well as playing dancey hit, “Dancing on Glass” twice because of an instrument malfunction from keyboardist, Nicky Paul. While most bands would shrug off the mistake and play on, St. Lucia made sure to perfect each song played within their set, which just goes to show the band’s dedication to their craft.

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Opening their set with, “Before the Dive,” one of the band’s oldest songs from their first EP, audience members were absolutely shocked by the choice to open with this song, in that St. Lucia does not usually include this track in their live shows. I, myself, was rather shocked by this choice, since I have seen the band a handful of times and they’ve never played it at the shows I attended. As the moody song progressed, as did the set. St. Lucia quickly transitioned into new song, “A Brighter Love” off of Hyperion -- a track featuring unique drum machine elements and effervescent harmonies between band members. According to Grobler, “A Brighter Love” is about searching for something deeper and more meaningful in the current world.

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As the set gained more energy, St. Lucia quickly shifted gears when transitioning into “All Eyes on You,” another classic track from the five-piece which happens to contain an infectious bass line from bassist, Ross Clark, as well as smooth vocals from Grobler. By this point, everyone in the crowd was singing, clapping, dancing, and having a great time. St. Lucia always seems to put on a phenomenal show, no matter the location or audience size. As I mentioned before, I am a huge St. Lucia fan. I’ve seen them at festivals with crowds of over 20,000 people, in venues that hold 1,000, and now at JBTV where the maximum capacity is a little over 125 people. I can assure you that no matter what the circumstance, the band always delivers a stellar performance. 

The audience was truly on a musical journey with the band, being that each song played possessed a different vibe. Although St. Lucia’s songs clock in a little over 5 minutes each and flow nicely together, the set the band played at JBTV alternated between slow and upbeat songs, which resulted in a memorable show.

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Filed By Ava Butera
​Photos By Bobby Talamine & Ava Butera