Stepping foot into Brooklyn Bowl Thursday night was similar to stepping into a time machine. Fans were dressed in 2000’s skater fashion, with chains and Vans or Converse, and Nintendo DS's were the focus of the crowd's attention. Everyone is nostalgic for something, and for Joey Valence & Brae, that something is 2000’s pop culture. Sampling iconic characters like BMO (Adventure Time) and other pop culture references like the Omnitrix (Ben10) make their songs immediately recognizable and gravitational. Next to recognizable sampling and energetic beats that get the crowd hyped, the interaction and stage presence JVB (Joey Valence & Brae) has with their fans is unmatched. Marked by enthusiastic dance moves and punchy vocals, JVB's music feels like an expression of the excitement and connection intended for fans.
There’s lots of encouragement to get moving and have fun, which is part of the intention with the pair’s music: With one half of the duo, Brae, even calling out to the crowd, “We’re here to dance, here to bounce!” The show was full of infectious energy and explosive movement, with fans matching the moves and direction of the lively duo. It felt as though the crowd and the artists were moving as one. With many tracks coming off of their most recent album, "HYPERYOUTH", the message to let go, move, and have fun was apparent. Each song was full of ecstatic and impactful beats, while the lyrics shaped a story of who JVB are: two friends with a dream to bring happiness and nostalgia back to a generation wanting to remember the good times.
- Kaitlin Putnam
Photos Courtesy of Cheyanne Parkans (For Bell Music Magazine)
