Recapping A Night to Remember with Ginger Root

By Jake Falkenstein

Photo Credit: WRSU

Celebrating the release of their 5th studio album, Ginger Root rocked Brooklyn Steel on October 17, as part of their “Shinbangumi” tour. I have been an avid listener for a while and highly anticipated the show. 

The opener Amaiwana set the tone of the night, moving the crowd with their funky guitar duets and angelic vocals. Hailing from Japan, the rock duo blew me away with their charming set, talented musicianship, and their fun dance routines and over-the-top poses and crowdwork.

Photo Credit: WRSU

Then, the long-anticipated Ginger Root stepped to the stage to deliver a night to remember. The band’s ability to cultivate an aesthetic and reinvigorate the style of the ‘80s made the experience of this show so refreshing. Their multi-talented frontman Cameron Lew had a fascinating music set-up, recycling an old landline phone as an alternate microphone that sounded exactly like music from the 1980s, accompanied by an array of synths. The band had a multitude of prepared visuals for the concert, and each aspect of their performance on stage felt like a love letter to the aesthetic of 1980s Japanese pop culture. 

Photo Credit: WRSU

In addition to their musical talent, the band knew exactly how to captivate the crowd. The trio constantly walked across the stage while performing to trade musical solos or even to mess with each other. Their performance hit all stops in their discography, playing primarily tracks from their new album, but closing with fans favorites “Weather” and “Loretta.” It was truly an electrifying experience.

Photo Credit: WRSU

Ginger Root is touring in the United States before taking flight to tour in Europe and Japan. Check out their new album Shinbangumi here!