sombr’s Electric New York City Performance
NEW YORK, NY-
Since 2021, sombr has been writing and releasing music filled with raw emotions - love, care, and heartbreak. Through his music and live performances, sombr seems to be able to truly connect with an audience unlike others. And even among a crowd of fans, it feels personal.
Back in February of 2024, I interviewed sombr ahead of his sold-out headlining show at Baby’s All Right. [Read here.] Just over a year since that show, his fan base has only grown larger, drawing people in with a strength like the opposite poles of a magnet. This evening, sombr opened for Daniel Seavy at Irving Plaza. Within minutes of the beginning of sombr’s set, the venue was completely full. People were spilling out into the walkways attempting to see just a portion of the stage. Based on the crowd size, energy, and attention, it seems sombr won’t be slowing down anytime soon.
As soon as sombr and his band stepped onto the stage, immediate cheers rose from the audience. This moment felt reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s fan culture with the pure excitement of just seeing him on stage. The sound completely filled the venue and reverberated between the walls. Together, the group felt tight, rehearsed, and created an impressively full sound.
sombr introduced “do i ever cross your mind,” before stating, “god forbid a white boy catch a vibe,” as the band kicked into the beginning intro of the song. A few songs later, sombr briefly turned away from the stage and grabbed his acoustic guitar. He ducked underneath the guitar strap as it fell across his body. “This is the song that changed my life,” he spoke into the mic before playing the opening acoustic riff of “caroline.”
He played a few other songs from his discography, including, “savior” and “i don’t know you anymore.” Specifically during “i don’t know you anymore,” sombr jumped off the stage and sang in front of the barrier. From the back of the crowd, it looked like he was swimming in a sea of fans, only the top of his head slightly visible as he leaned back into the audience.
There was exceptional excitement for his most recent release, “undressed.” The band began playing the notable rhythmic introduction and upon recognition the audience cheered and jumped up and down.
Once sombr was at the last song on his setlist, he explained that, “this is my hometown, so it feels very special. The last song is ‘back to friends.’” With extraordinary excitement, the fans’ cheers were impressively loud from only the introduction and beginning of the song. Looking around, there seemed to be a collective therapeutic moment for the audience members as nearly every person was singing the catchy chorus, “how can we go back to being friends, when we just shared a bed.” Right around the bridge of the song, sombr jumped into the crowd as he was circled by fans in the middle of the pit. He then came back onto the stage and continued to give his all until the song concluded. sombr stood directly in the middle of the stage, held the mic out in front of himself, and dropped it. As the mic hit the ground, he turned and walked off stage.
Keep up with sombr on Spotify, Instagram, and his website. sombr already announced a headlining world tour. Find tour dates here.
All photos by Tori McGraw (@afterr.hourrs)
