Frayle

Frayle’s music was heavy but atmospheric, with haunting vocals sitting over slow, weighty guitars.

The vocals and pacing gave the music room to breathe, and there was a hypnotic quality to parts of the set that worked especially well live.

EIHWAR

EIHWAR’s live set was driven by percussion, chanting and constant movement across the stage.

Their sound pulls together heavy percussion, Nordic folk influences and electronic rhythms, with drums at the center of much of the performance. Frame drums and standing percussion gave the music a physical impact that becomes much more apparent when hearing it in the room rather than through speakers at home.

The beats were heavy, the percussion had real weight, and there was a natural connection between what was happening onstage and what the audience was doing on the floor.

People danced, sang and chanted along throughout the set.

Music Hall of Williamsburg

Music Hall of Williamsburg also turned out to be a venue I’d happily return to.

It’s a comfortable room for a show of this size, with multiple levels that provide different views of the stage without losing the intimacy of a smaller venue. The Williamsburg location is also a nice one, just a short walk from the waterfront and surrounded by plenty to do before or after a concert.

By the end of the night, I’d happily see both Frayle and EIHWAR again.

If either band comes through your city, they’re worth checking out live.