The Stationary Set @ Arlele's Grocery, 03.31.09

[For background information on The Stationary Set, see this post.













The Stationary Set wowed me, once again, at their show this past Tuesday at Arlene's Grocery. During the show, I realized that there's something unique about the band that keeps me coming back for more--something that makes them different from every other quasi-hipster, Brooklyn indie band. What is that "something" you might ask?

Well, it could be the unique combination of people in the band. As I've said before, each guy throws something different into the mix. Andrew is nothing short of a world-class poet with a powerful voice. Josh H. has a knack for creating an intricately woven ensemble of sound that lays beneath the melody and gives each track a holistic, and thus engrossing vibe. Josh D. can make a guitar do anything he might ever want it to--he can choose the perfect power chord, but he can also come up with complex licks. Gabe throws in an incredibly powerful bassline, but somehow manages to keep it from dominating the song. Logan is an absurdly talented drummer who keeps the beat while still managing to frequently change the rhythym to accompany the evolving mood set by Andrew's lyrics. Though the combination of these talents surely makes for a great listening experience, the band's worth is more than just the sum of its parts.

I could be coming back, show after show, for the songs, themselves. Catchy yet complex, The Stationary Set is able to take the best aspects of pop, like the I-just-can't-get-it-out-of-my-head melodies, and combine them with a much more altrock feel. However, if I only wanted to listen to the songs, I could download the free EP from their myspace page!

Although the band has a number of amazng attributes, the one thing that sucks me in at every show is the overwhelming vibe of excitement and fun that eminates from the stage. They dance, they jump, they just rock the hell out--and you can tell that they're loving every minute of it! During the show, a few random people poked their heads in from the bar on the other side of the venue, and after one song they were up in the front dancing like maniacs--you just can't help but love their music!!! Why? If for no other reason, it's because THEY love it, and THEY have a great time playing it for the audience.


So come to the next Stationary Set show, I'd love to see you there. I'll be in the front, dancing like a maniac . . . with everyone else!

Review and photos by Laura, more photos available here.

The Stationary Set @ The Studio at Webster Hall, 2.21.09

After B+TEC's amazing set, The Stationary Set hopped on stage to wow us once again! (For background info. on The Stat. Set, see my post below, "The Stationary Set @ Fontana's, 2.7.09").

First, it must be acknowledged that Gabriel Kubitz is a superhero for playing two sets with two different bands back-to-back. Here he is, rockin' out on bass, as per usual!

Second, it should also be stated that while playing, the band had almost NO sound coming out of the monitors (seriously). The audience could hear the band easily--but the band could not hear itself. Epic fail, Webster Hall, epic fail. However, not to be discouraged, the band played an UNBELIEVABLE set with really excellent attitudes! They looked like they were having a great time, and got the entire crowd (which, by this point, was drunk and chatty) totally engrossed in the music.












The set focused on songs from The Stat Set's new EP, which was made available for free download the day after this show. As a quasi-release party for said EP, the show was a HUGE success! Not only did they play all four songs from the EP to an ecstatic audience, but they also played other new songs that will likely be included on the upcoming album, to be released this fall.





It was great to see The Stat Set headlining (or sharing the headline with B+TEC) at Webster Hall. While the show had some sound problems, the audience was totally unaware and enjoyed every minute of their incredible set. As it should be.

Review and photos by Laura. More photos available here.

The Stationary Set @ Fontana's, 2.7.09

After a lovely evening with Jay Brannan, we headed over to Fontana's in the LES for The Stationary Set, a band composed of Andrew Lutes (Vocals/Acoustic Guitar/Piano), Josh Hoisington (Backing Vocals/Keys/Guitar), Josh Davis (Backing Vocals/Keys/Guitar), Gabriel Kubitz (Bass), and Logan Baldwin (Drums). Originally from Michigan, The Stationary Set (lovingly abbreviated as "The Stat Set" by fans) was formed by Andrew and Josh H. and grew to include Josh D., Gabe, and Logan upon arrival in NYC.

Since the New York transformation, The Stat Set has been writing songs about life as a twenty-something living in Brooklyn...but don't be afraid! These guys are definitely not hipsters; more Park Slope than Williamsburg, the vibe is low-key, relaxed, and fun.

The show at Fontana's was short but amazing. With only thirty minutes to wow the audience, The Stat Set played songs from their highly anticipated upcoming EP, including "Constitution," "A Promise and a Threat," "Method Actor," and "This is Our Nature." The songs, composed by the band with lyrics by Andrew, are catchy but also unique. The vibe feels like a mix of Panic At the Disco, The Clash, and Robin Williams. (For those of you in the know, or from Rhode Island, they're also a more New York version of Zox.)

The guys are hilarious, incredibly musically talented, and compliment each other in some great ways. Andrew sings his lyrics with conviction and really connects with those of us who feel somewhat left out by the hipster/Williamsburg community. Josh H. plays what seems like three instruments at once, while singing, and never stops smiling. Josh D. is quiet onstage but has amazing chemistry with his guitar--and, DAMN, does that kid know how to play! Gabe is an incredibly talented bassist who frequently climbs on amps and jumps into the audience, pulling everyone into the fun that they're all having onstage. Logan is perhaps the quietest of all, but certainly makes his presence known by giving the songs a great beat. Not only are the guys talented, but each of their strengths compliment the others, creating an incredibly powerful sound.

The audience laughed with them, danced like crazy, and applauded like mad. The crowd consisted of friends of the band, fans, and those who had heard the buzz. By the end of the show, the whole audience was begging for an encore--but, alas, Fontana's had to get the other performers on stage.

Review and photos by Laura. For more photos, click here.