On the cusp of winter’s gruesome cold infiltrating Madison with heartless gusts of winds, the people of Madison can always rely on music to provide them with some sense of sanity and relief.. On Thursday, Nov. 7, Crumb performed at the Majestic and delivered a dazzling performance of their smooth, riveting psychedelic music, which gave the audience the green light to escape the cold for three hours.
A regionally diverse line-up, the show started with the Virginia-based artist Shormey Adumuah, who performs under the name Shormey. Backed by a drummer and a bassist, along with Shormey on vocals and keyboards, shegave Madison an enticing performance of her lo-fi, groovy songs. During her 30-minute set, music goers were able to witness Shormey’s neo-soul voice paired with beach goth melodies. Whether it was Shromey’s genuine dedication to her craft exhibited on stage, her style paralleling Solange or her vivacious sound, Shormey’s performance excitedly put her on many people’s radars, with the audience’s murmurs praising her effervescent performance.
After Shormey’s performance, Divino Nino took the stage. Starting their set off with their doo-wop tune, “Quiero,” the Chicago-based band set the tone for their cozy, feel-good performance. As the quartet’s set progressed, they wistfully captivated Madison with their sun-infused punk and psychedelic songs with English and Spanish lyrics. Invoking pathos and exuding their infectious sentimental lyrics in their songs, Divino Nino’s music was well-received by the audience, who were energized about what the future holds for the band.
After Divino Nino’s woozy set, the lights dimmed, the music faded and Crumb waltzed onto the stage, illuminated under emerald green and rouge red lights. Crumb immediately enraptured the audience as they plugged in their instruments and plunged into their lusted ambivalent sound that blends jazz and psychedelic music. With Lila Ramani on guitar and vocals, Jesse Brotte on bass, Brian Aronow on keyboards and saxophone and Jonathan Gilad on drums, the band lunged into the set with zeal. They performed new songs off of their June debut album, Jinx, as well as Crumb classics. For an hour and a half, Crumb cast a spell over Madison, mesmerizing the audience with their enthralling tunes permeating throughout the theater.
Playing their 2017 song, “Locket,” the band’s live performance was the embodiment of a ripple effect with its pulsating bass’ crescendo giving the song a jarring buoyancy. As the Brooklyn-based band’s set continued, every song they played further fascinated the audience with their music’s hypnotic elements steadily diffusing across their set. With a soft haunting intro to their song, “M.R.,” from their June debut album, Jinx, Crumb’s showcased their psychedelic progression.The song’s live performance was a slow-burning, cacophony of Crumb’s signature sound, giving the audience a chance to meander into the corners of jazz and the hazy intonations of 1960s psychedelic music.
When Crumb’s psychedelic rollercoaster came to an end after their lively encore, they thanked Madison for a wonderful night. They left the crowd grateful that they got to experience a spellbinding concert, whose satisfying sounds and energy continue to linger with them.
