On Feb. 1, the Brooklyn-based indie rock band Real Estate took the stage at Buffalo’s Electric City to perform their greatest hits. Opening for them was another indie band, Grumpy, who set the tone for the night with their unique sound.
The name “Electric City” pays homage to Buffalo’s history as the first U.S. city to harness the hydroelectric power of Niagara Falls, using it to bring electric lighting to homes across the region. These innovations carved Buffalo’s legacy as the “electrified” city into stone and are what ultimately inspired the name of the concert hall, as explained on the venue’s official website.
The new music venue’s front door leads to a set of velvety stairs bringing you to where the magic happens. The main room of the venue boasts a decently sized stage and an amazingly planned set, fitted with a bar, a DJ set and plenty of floor space to mingle with fellow fans.
Whether you bought general admission tickets or paid a couple of extra bucks for special seating located snugly by the side of the stage, you’re guaranteed a clear and unobstructed view of the stage.
The lights dimmed at 8 p.m. sharp as Grumpy came on stage with their lead singer and guitarist, Heaven Schmitt, putting on an amazing performance on their first real tour. They used an arsenal of vocal effects with their witty charm to captivate the audience, debuting unreleased songs like “Queen” and newer releases like “Lonesome Ride.”
After a brief intermission, Real Estate walked onto stage with the crowd chanting their name.
The band was ethereal to hear live, surpassing the quality of their studio recordings. Real Estate’s frontman, Martin Courtney, powered through each song with unwavering strength, –maintaining his energy all while switching between three different guitars.
His band followed suit, slipping in groovy guitar solos, sultry bass chords and electrifying drum beats that never let the energy in the room lull. The group’s star power awed and inspired die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
The arts desk can be reached at arts@ubspectrum.com
