Covet at Brooklyn Bowl (photo by Kevin McGann)

 

Last week, California’s Covet played Brooklyn Bowl as part of the current tour in support of their new album, catharsis (Triple Crown Records). And for fans of math rock, it was an epic night of guitar virtuosity compliments of Yvette Young who’s endured a lot the past few years and only seems to have come out of it stronger.

 

Released on April 7th, catharsis is Covet’s third full length release and the first since the events of 2022 when Young parted ways with then rhythm section of bassist David Adamiak and drummer Forrest Rice and the band’s van was stolen. Rather than pack it in, Young hit the road shortly after on the Rebirth tour, armed with new songs, new members, and a renewed sense of purpose. One of those tracks, “firebird,” made the new album and was a highlight of the night along with “bronco”and opening track “coronal.”

 

Joining Young on stage were Brandon Dove on bass and violin and Jessica Burdeaux on drums. And like some of my favorite 70’s prog rock trios (hello Rush and Emerson, Lake & Palmer), the members of Covet put on a show that was musically complex, adventurous, but also fun. There were so many points where Young’s fingers were flying up and down the fret board to an ever changing time signature, yet she would look up and just flash a smile to the audience like “piece of cake.” Equally impressive were Dove and Burdeaux who laid down a solid foundation for the songs to come alive, especially on older tracks “atreyu” and “shibuya” as well as “smolder” from the new album.

 

 

Opening the night was New York’s Altopalo. Their set was a mix of songs from their almost decade long career and featured songs from their stellar 2022 album frenemy (Nettwerk) which garnered them praise from a number of outlets for its fluid mix of sounds and styles. Made up of Rahm Silverglade on lead vocals and keys, Jesse Bielenberg on bass, Mike Haldeman on guitar, and Dillon Treacy on drums, the longtime friends and seasoned musicians put on a solid show that flows between electronic, indie rock, R&B, jazz and beyond.

 

Next up was Alejandro Aranda AKA Scarypoolparty who literally had jaws on the floor with his insane acoustic guitar work. Probably best known for being the runner up on the 2019 season of American Idol, where he also displayed his prodigious piano playing, Aranda is unlike anything I’ve seen in years. Music so complex it would be hard enough to just play it for most, but then also unleash some fierce vocals on top of it. I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for Scarypoolparty.

 

Make sure to check out Covet’s brilliant new album catharsis and catch this tour while you can. You don’t need to be a music geek to appreciate any one of these bands but if you are, expect to be blown away.

 

Scroll down for pics of the show (photos by Kevin McGann)

 

ALTOPALO

 

SCARYPOOLPARTY

COVET