Report from New Colossus Festival in New York City
- Julia Mason aka The Decibel Decoder
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
This week's new music fix comes from New Colossus Festival as Julia Mason (aka The Decibel Decoder) braves the weather and ICE to report from New York City
BRNDA (US)
What a talented bunch BRNDA are. If I remember correctly all 4 members of the band took lead vocal duties at some point during the set. This was quirky, jangly guitars and drums with a hint of Talking Heads and massive dollop of smiles - how does music do that?. One minute funky and groovy, the next indie, but all delivered with an effortless charm. Topics include salt, tennis, existentialism, poached avocado, your 45-year plan, tea, incorrect orders… all of which are expressed through a carousel of honest vocal performance (singing, shouting, speaking, radio static). It was a refreshing change for these ears who do tend to dwell on the noisier end of the spectrum; but as the mega fan in the crowd shouted "I love you BRNDA", the rest of us in Baker Falls could see why by the end of this set. A band I would have loved to have caught again.
Start with: Service Loser
Deady (US)
Female fronted punk band who were having a good time and boy was it infectious. This was straight up punk and it was such a flippin' blast. The stage at Parkside Lounge could not contain the five piece who were on and off it every two seconds. Led by vocalist Mandy Keathley they have a DIY attitude and it was great to chat to them after their set as they hung out to watch the bands who followed. Accessible punk which is so good for the serotonin levels. Can't wait to see what they do next.
Start with: Bad As It Sounds
Heet Deth (US)
It became obvious very quickly at New Colossus Festival that Heet Deth are a band's band. I caught them three times and every time they played they were there very early watching everyone else and supporting enthusiastically. The duo were easy to spot in their utterly fabulous KISS-like make up which they totally backed up with their music. It was in Parkside Lounge that they seemed to let rip. The energy was exhilarating but how do just two people create such a ferocious sound on guitar and drums? Another band who you just knew were loving what they do.
Start with: High Tower
Still Depths (Canada)
Genre defying has become a thing and it is utterly thrilling in the hands of bands such as Still Depths. One minute visceral noise, the next dance music, the next off on an experimental vein. Their 2025 album Like Hell! is described as "joyfully abrasive" and having seen them upstairs in Pianos that seems the perfect description. This was a raw performance made even more intoxicating by the closeness to the trio in this intimate space. I was captivated and just had to buy yet another, tee.
Start With: Like Hell
Sunset Images (Mexico)
The joy, and there are many to be honest, of festivals such as New Colossus is that you tend to stay in one venue for a few bands thus providing a hotbed of discovery. The Dedstrange Records showcase was no exception. The showcase in Berlin included their latest signing Sunset Images from Mexico who are described as noise rock but somehow that doesn't cut it. The trio produce an intoxicating wall of sound that hypnotised the crowd. Is there such a thing as psych-punk? (yes! check out our very own Puck - Ed) Who cares, I was under the spell of Sunset Images and it was mesmeric.
Start With: Todo Se Acaba
All photos © Julia Mason
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