LIVE REVIEW // The Moss @ Baby’s All Right
On what would seem to be a quiet Wednesday night, The Moss had other plans for their last stop on tour — a sold-out night at Baby’s All Right. Originally hailing from Salt Lake City, New York is a far-out stop for them, and it was their first time playing anywhere near here. Since releasing their newest EP “Insomnia”, they have gained managers, and even been signed to a label that’s been able to take the bull by the horns and get them to the places the fans want them.
While I stood near the stage following the end of the opening band The Hails’ set, I could overhear curious fans whisper about whether or not they would be able to play due to lead singer Tyke James’ lack of voice that had forced them to cancel the previous night of the tour in Syracuse, NY. But, as the band stormed the stage and James rolled around the ground singing the opening song, their stresses were quickly put to rest. With the pink backlit stage lighting up their every move, they started what would be an energy-packed, electric, and even educational night.
James took moments between songs to give the audience moss facts, like that after Pangea, New York was where moss was first found, meaning they're home. These personal connections and the heart and soul you could feel from their songs written from such a personal place made the room feel like it was just you and the band there. James, in a previous interview with The Lamb, mentioned that in his songs, he is building a different world — in the small room at Baby’s that night, I felt like I was able to get a glance into the world he raved about, and that gives him the wild ideas that have built The Moss to be what they are today.
Because it was their first time in New York, the audience engagement was thrilling. This is partly thanks to their bassist, Caiden Jackson, who did not miss a moment away from the groove. The entire band was in the moment all together, their comfort on stage and effortlessly entertaining performance was magical. Guitarist Addison Sharp did not miss a moment to rip a solo out of thin air as well. And of course, at what we thought would be the end of the night, a cymbal from drummer Willie Fowler’s kit was thrown around the stage as a final hurrah.
But, that was not the end. The fans demanded more and got the band to return once again to play a few more hits. They returned to the stage to play “Blink” and “Dog Valley”, a single released in 2020 that features James rapping. Throughout every moment of the night, it was impossible to know what was coming next; it felt like they had endless tricks to pull and chops that could burn the house down. The Moss is an up-and-coming band that you do not want to miss if they ever bless your city with a visit.
Words: Ida Ward York // Photos: Cecilia Case Hernandez
Keep up with The Moss on Instagram and stream on Spotify and Apple Music.
