St. Lucia Own The Night at Rockefeller Center’s Banana Republic

The best things in life are free, and that was definitely the case last night! All eyes were on St. Lucia as they played a free 8 song set to hundreds of fans and shoppers at Rockefeller Center’s grand re-opening of Banana Republic. Being that I wasn’t able to snag tickets to the band’s upcoming tour in January, I was ecstatic to have the chance to see the band I’ve been buzzing about for the past year and a half live and for FREE!

The songs I’ve been listening to in my bedroom came alive last night and it was magical. Brooklyn’s synthtastic (let’s just call them that from now on) won my heart all over again within the first few notes of opening song, “The Night Comes Again.” I was completely floored throughout the entire set and the energy within the crowd was palpable. Just ten days ago, after watching St. Lucia’s energetic performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, I mentioned on Twitter how I needed to see them live one day. Serendipity found me pretty fast, and it brought the sound of the 80’s along.

Frontman Jean-Philip Grobler’s vocals were pitch perfect while keyboardist, Patricia Beranek, who also happens to be Grobler’s lovely wife, donned a dress resembling the band’s tropical album art. Drummer Nick Brown, bassist/guitarist Ross Clark and synth pro Nick Paul are all beasts, bringing out the true elements that make up St. Lucia to life on stage.

As the band played through tracks from their debut, When The Night, I thought of how stoked Tears For Fears and M83 would be. With so many musical origins and influences coursing through each track, its easy to get lost and even harder to come back. The crowd went insane during current single, “Elevate,” along with my heart. The first time I heard that song I felt like I was floating and last night was no different. I didn’t expect to hear most of my favorites but the night was full of surprises, especially hearing the album’s title track, “When The Night,” in all its synthy glory.

The best live shows always leave you wanting more. I’m so proud of how far this band has come within the past year and I have a feeling a lot more people will be jumping on the St. Lucia bandwagon after tonight’s performance. If you’re into that whole musical euphoria thing, I highly suggest checking out St. Lucia when they hit your city this winter. Just remember where you heard them first! 😉

Set list1. The Night Comes Again2. Closer Than This3. Wait For Love4. All Eyes On You5. We Got It Wrong6. Elevate7. September8. When The Night

More For You

5 Reasons To Love St. Lucia’s ‘When The Night’

Simple Modern Answers: Q&A with Christian Burns

7 Exceptional Covers From Buzzworthy Artists