Pan Arcadia LIVE at Empty Bottle
In typical punk fashion, this is being written and published two weeks… maybe more… after I saw Pan Arcadia at the Empty Bottle. Now, whether that is appreciated by the band or Wholesome is up for debate. What can I say? I’ve been busy. I have been moving, going into finals, working three jobs, and trying to live a rich and fulfilling life. However, going forward, we are going to get this out faster, promise!
Pan Arcadia hails from New York City, selling out venues such as Bowery Ballroom, Baby’s All Right, and Mercury Lounge. The band consists of the vocalist Eamon Rush, Gabe Gonzalez and Dylan Kelly playing the guitars, Henry McGrath on bass, and Brian Duke on drums. This was their longest tour to date, spanning ten days, visiting places in the U.S. and Canada. For these long weeks, they shared a small RV, forced to share beds and sleep on the ground, but anything was worth it to them to have the experience of touring.
I got to Empty Bottle after a full-day of work, tired. I vaguely knew Pan Arcadia and the members, so when I saw a familiar face I introduced myself. They didn’t know who I was. Given, I had been invited by Gonzalez, so the other members weren’t aware of my existence. The security wasn’t even aware that I was coming. Nobody knew I was coming, but luckily I weaseled my way in. Even with the mishap, the band swiftly invited me to EZ Inn, a nearby bar to hang out while they took photos. I don’t think I really know how to be a concert photographer, for one this has taken me weeks to put out, but also because when we got to the bar I sat at the counter and befriended someone sitting by me along with the bartender. Pan Arcadia did their thing and I did mine. They made their way back to Empty Bottle to support Hannah Sondaz, their opener and I trailed behind.
It was a cozy beginning to the night. From the old-school bar to the sounds of Sondaz’s music. They blended soft electric guitars paired with dream-like synths to create an ethereal experience for all people listening. The crowd was still coming in, but even as they did, they had no choice but to be entranced.
Pan Arcadia went on next. Throughout the majority of the set, even with the strong performance, people stood far away from the stage, leaving space for the videographer and anyone else who wanted to capture a picture, myself included. With the performance they were giving, you would’ve expected more people right by the stage. Even without the crowd, they performed like they were in front of millions, making sure to give everyone in Empty Bottle their all. Their music is reminiscent of The Ramones and the Strokes, but expands beyond the rock genre by bringing in pop-punk and bossa-nova elements. All and all, they are a unique band with a lot to give and I am excited to see how far they go.