Horse Jumper of Love, Babehoven, Sadurn @ Market Hotel

by Juliette Boulay | Aug 18, 2022 | Shows

Horse Jumper of Love at Market Hotel (photo by Juliette Boulay)

Market Hotel hosted bands Horse Jumper of Love, Babehoven, and Sadurn this past week for a night of slow rock, indie folk, and feelings. I had high hopes for this show and they were met with deeply genuine lyrics and sounds to soak in earplug-free. Brooklyn was the lineup’s second to last stop on tour and I’m so glad I could be there for it.

Sadurn opened up the night with tracks off their debut album Radiator. The first thing I noticed was their singer G DeGroot’s voice, honest and cozy; then drummer Amelia Swain smiling at her bandmates through the first song. Something about their presence as people and autumnal folk sound kind of blew me away.

I knew they were good before the show, but not this good. I guess I hadn’t given them my full attention before since indie folk usually isn’t my thing; I’m a slowcore and noise rock kind of girl. But something about standing in front of a live band gets you to really hear what a band has to say through the airwaves.

Sadurn’s performance felt like diner coffee off a small town road; like warm cinnamon coursing through your veins. The audience sang along, something rare for an opening band at an intimate venue. The crowd even shushed people chatting in the back to make sure they could hear every second. I was impressed and excited for the band to get so much love.

Needless to say I’m a big fan now and I’m sure they made many more during their set. If you haven’t yet, I’d highly recommend listening to their debut album Radiator. My favorite track is “Special Power.”

Sadurn

Next up was another indie folk group, Babehoven, hailing from Hudson, NY. Led by couple Maya Bon and Ryan Albert, this group brought DIY farmcore vibes. Their music was soft, kind, and evoked more inter-crowd shushing so we could all get the full effect. Their performance was natural and laid back, like something you might hear played in a community garden amongst friends in crocs.

Babehoven captured the audience just like Sadurn did before. Their songs were soft, healing, and performed with ease. The band set such a steady tone that the whole set felt a bit like a meditation. I enjoyed hearing them bring the calm of the calm of the Hudson Valley to New York City’s hectic space. Market Hotel literally has a subway running right outside of the stage window, but the venue was chilled and sweet throughout Babehoven’s set—something we could all use here in the city.

Once Babehoven laid down their last melody, I knew I had to stay up front for Horse Jumper of Love. I only discovered this band a few months ago when the venue posted about them and the name sounded compelling. Since then Horse Jumper has become my top listened-to artist of 2022—I’ve listened to them for 17 hours according to Apple Music (don’t judge me). I even reserved a roll and a half of film just for them. What I’m trying to say is that i’m quite partial to this band and all their powerful work.

Babehoven

Horse Jumper of Love began with several songs off their newest album Natural Part. Their set was straight-forward with every song sounding just as good live as it does recorded. Vocalist Dimitri Giannopoulos sang his intensely poetic lyrics while the crowd sang them back. Jamie Vadala-Doran drummed like a man made of water and fellow band members played in tandem. I often wear earplugs since I see so much live music, but I had to take them out this time. Some music is worth the hearing loss.

Horse Jumper ended their set with two fan-favorites— “Ugly Brunette” and “Orange Peeler.” The crowd went from singing to yelling in excitement and my brain went from grey matter to goo. In short, the band was as great as I’d hoped and I’d gladly see them again.