The Stews at Irving Plaza
The Stews are a rock band with forward-motion driven riffs that keep the listener at the edge of their seat. The band is composed of Preston Hall (vocals and guitar), Blake Dobbs (guitar), Bennett Baugus (bass), and Wyatt Griffith (drums).
Photo via Alec Ilstrup (@alecilstrup)
Fans at Irving Plaza were sporting white t-shirts that reflected under the light, the front decorated in thick font with the words, “The Stews.” Before the show even started, fans seemed to be dedicated supporters.
Moments before the band took the stage, a deep rumble emerged from the crowd. Low octave voices shouted, “the stews,” elongating the last syllable and stretching it out, sounding like something out of a sports chant.
Photo via Alec Ilstrup (@alecilstrup)
The Stews took the stage at Irving Plaza, the lights immediately low and dark, the band members’ bodies barely visible by a minimal outline. A few moments later, after each member prepped their respective instrument, not only was the crowd ready, but the band was too.
The band began playing songs from their latest release, “Chicken Fight,” as they kicked into the first song.
Photo via Alec Ilstrup (@alecilstrup)
“Is this thing on?” Hall asks into the mic as the crowd cheered hearing his voice. “How are you guys feeling?” He pauses for a moment, “New York City! That’s fucking crazy. We’re a long way from home.”
The crowd held the same energy throughout the entire set. After each song, the same low rumble crescendoed from the audience, “the steewwws,” was voiced by the audience.
Photo via Alec Ilstrup (@alecilstrup)
The Stews played several songs off the newest album, including “Chicken Fight.,” “Lately,” “How It Ends,” and “9-5.” In many of the new releases from The Stews, their songs switch tempos; within an instant they slow down a song and feature long sustained jams until the tempo picks right back up and ends the song. The audience became even more rowdy during their song, “Make It Out,” which has accumulated well over two million streams on Spotify. Lights fell onto the audience, and all that was visible from the back of the venue was a sea of hands, each person taking in the moment for the crowd favorite song. And the audience loved every second.
Follow The Stews on Instagram, Spotify and their website.
All photos by Alec Ilstrup (@alecilstrup)
