CAAMP AT BROOKLYN STEEL IN BROOKLYN

The smell of embers fills the air. Soft crackling pops accompany the gentle acoustic strums. The sun is almost gone, leaving you and your closest friends in the dark. The only source of light is from the campfire warming your feet. It’s one of those feel good moments full of hums, harmonies, and laughter. This is exactly what CAAMP’s second sold out night at Brooklyn Steel felt like, with two thousand more people of course!

A massive raccoon appeared as the lights shone on a tapestry backdrop. CAAMP walked out to start the evening, and the first thing that caught my attention had to be lead singer Taylor Meier‘s raspy vocals. I knew his voice; I’ve listened to their music for a few weeks now, but there’s something so captivating in the husky, deep notes echoing live throughout the night. What Meier said next surely took me by surprise.

“You all sound great,” he said. “But I don’t! I’m sick, was holed up to an IV less than an hour ago. Three months on tour and I get sick in NYC?? Not like, Omaha?? But I’ll try my best. I’ll sing till I can’t anymore.” Sick? I never would have guessed it. But that didn’t put a damper on his voice, his performance, the band’s chemistry, or the show in any shape or form. 

As the night continued, the crowd grew more comfortable with their friends and the strangers around them. When the pace picked up, the heads bopped and twirling ensued. With mellow acoustics and hints of country twang, the swaying never stopped. 

This indie folk band had us all jamming along all night, just as if we were sitting around a campfire. “There was an option to cancel tonight, and I’m so fucking glad we didn’t,” Meier said to close the night. So are we Taylor, so are we.