PAN ARCADIA LIGHTS UP LE POISSON ROUGE: A NIGHT OF UNSTOPPABLE ENERGY AND FUNKY VIBES

Sep 6

originally published in March 2025 here: https://distractedmag.com/2025/03/03/pan-arcadia-lights-up-le-poisson-rouge-a-night-of-unstoppable-energy-and-funky-vibes/

Brooklyn’s Pan Arcadia marked the debut of their new single “Into the Glass” with a show that was both intimate and full of energy. Taking over Le Poisson Rouge in NYC’s West Village, the band performed on a round stage that put them at the center of it all, creating a space where the crowd wasn’t just watching—they were part of the performance. Lead vocalist Eamon Rush, guitarists Gabe Gonzalez and Dylan Kelly, bassist Henry McGrath, and drummer Brian Duke moved fluidly around the stage, creating a shared energy that felt less like a concert and more like a collective experience.

The night kicked off with DC-based four-piece Radio Relics, whose presence was clearly felt by the crowd, many of whom were already big fans. These NYU students have quickly become a fixture in New York’s indie scene, and their set was a solid reminder of why—blending the heartland swagger of dad rock with the cool, effortless style of bands like The Strokes. “Tangerine,” in particular, sent the crowd into a frenzy, their energy elevating the night to new heights.

Next, NYC’s Bec Lauder and the Noise brought a sultry, hard-edged vibe to the proceedings. This was Lauder’s first time wielding a wireless mic, and she made full use of it, dashing across the stage and into the crowd, her energy contagious. She danced and vibed with her bandmates, and when the set ended, she stuck around to sign autographs, cementing her connection with fans. The girl is magnetic.

Then came the main event: Pan Arcadia. When the lights dropped, the room was consumed by a thick, atmospheric synth as the band made their entrance in a single-file procession. Someone in the crowd likened it to a boxer entering the ring. It was that kind of dramatic. The room was now packed with an eclectic mix of fans—think characters plucked straight out of Almost Famous—leather jackets, oversized sunglasses, silk teddies (yes, really) emblazoned with the Pan Arcadia logo. The vibe was electric, and we all could feel it, thanks to the round stage that made every angle of the room feel like a shared space.

Pan Arcadia wasted no time delivering the goods, mixing unreleased tracks with crowd favorites, each song more infectious than the last. Eamon Rush was a whirlwind on stage, hopping, leaping, and dancing around the lights as though the set was one long, kinetic celebration. If you’ve got a thing for bands that jump, this was your night—Eamon didn’t stop moving, and neither did the crowd. The highlight, of course, was the performance of their new single, “Into the Glass,” which oozes funky, synth-heavy grooves that are impossible to ignore.

After performing “Go Outside” a hit track from their 2024 EP, Bec Lauder returned to the stage to join Pan Arcadia in“Don’t Mean Much” and “Airplane Song.” The stage was packed, the vibe was infectious, and it was the kind of impromptu collaboration that made the whole night feel like a party.

They closed out their set with “You Are Who You Remain,” one of their most beloved tracks, sending fans into a frenzy. Hands in the air, voices singing along—this was the kind of show that left you craving more. And Pan Arcadia, with their mix of energy, camaraderie, and irresistible sound, definitely gave us a night to remember.