Gustaf performed at White Oak Music Hall’s Upstairs on Tuesday, May 14th, as part of their North American tour. The night was filled with unique and mesmerizing sounds that captivated the entire venue.
The night began with Texas native Órpheus Von Doom taking the stage with their song “Plastic Essence.” Known for their ‘genre-less’ style, the band showcased this versatility by blending influences from Latin, rock, indie and more, crafting a truly unique and captivating sound. Each instrumental layer amplified the energy of Órpheus’s vocals, making for an unforgettable performance.
Órpheus, who performs wearing a mask, explained its significance in an interview featured on their Spotify profile, stating, “I put my mask on stage to not have an identity, to showcase there is an Órpheus within us all.” This allows him to reveal his true self through his performance. A highlight of the night was Órpheus’s cover of “Oye Mi Amor” by the iconic Latin rock band Maná, paying homage to one of their musical influences. He expressed gratitude to Gustaf for the opportunity to perform, then closed with their final song before leaving the stage.
Gustaf emerged on stage one by one, playfully engaging with the crowd as they introduced themselves and set the mood. The audience was particularly entertained by percussionist Terra’s pitched-down vocal effect on her microphone. Then, they kicked off their performance with the song “Statue.”
The New York post-punk band electrified the venue with their vibrant energy, expressive lyrics, and artistic instrumentals. The band members, Lydia, Vram, Tarra, Tine and Mel, each brought their unique talents to the stage. Lead singer Lydia captivated the audience with her commanding stage presence and powerful vocals, perfectly encapsulating the band’s evocative performance style. She also played other instruments, such as guitar and flute. Tarra added a distinct flair with her inventive use of unconventional instruments like a Cafe Bustelo can, a rubber chicken, trinkets and a whistle, creating a truly unique sound for their music.
During their performance, Lydia engaged with the crowd between songs, deepening the connection with the audience. At one point, she asked if anyone had seen them at the start of their career at Super Happy Fun Land in 2018. To the band’s amazement, an audience member recalled that show. It was fascinating to hear a piece of the band’s history shared with the crowd.
The band performed tracks from their albums Audio Drag for Ego Slobs, and the recently released Package Pt. 2. Standout songs included “Book,” “Close” and “Best Behavior.” They concluded the main set with “Weighing Me Down,” humorously remarking that they would pretend it was their last song, just like every other band, before returning for an encore.
For their encore, the crowd’s enthusiastic cheers welcomed the band back on stage. Lydia, now sporting a bucket hat, expressed her gratitude to the audience for their support. They wrapped up the night with the song “Mine,” during which Terra playfully joined the crowd before tagging the band’s exit with her whistles. One by one, the band members left the stage, leaving drummer Mel to be the last to depart.
Overall, it was a spectacular night, with unique performers showcasing their incredible artistry to the crowd. Be sure to check out these amazing artists! If you’re craving more live event coverage, don’t hesitate to explore our dedicated page for more remarkable shows!
I am a writer and photographer based in Houston, Texas. I am currently attending the University of Houston as a Marketing major, and a PR and MIS minor. I am passionate about my work through the various creative avenues I use such as writing, designing, and photography. In my free time I enjoy delving into rabbit holes and discovering new things!
