Scarhaven, a nu-grunge band set to make their Queens debut in Ridgewood.
Photo by Briana Sista
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The Ridgewood underground scene is about to get an explosive jolt.
Coming off a sold-out Mercury Lounge set in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the four-piece nu-grunge band Scarhaven will chime gritty melodies at their first-ever Queens show at Bar Freda on Wednesday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. The hypnotic riffs of their newly released EP, Changing, pull listeners into a hazy blend of grunge’s past and a unique sound that evokes unapologetic authenticity.
Photo by Briana Sista
The live music venue, located at 8-01 Seneca Ave., is readying their stage for the electrifying rotation of no-frills rock n’ roll. Originally hailing from Washington D.C., the New York City-based band released their EP on Thursday, April 2.
The band consists of Michael Saint (vocals), Matt Kilroy (guitar), Jared Edson (bass) and Michael “Shap” Shapira (drums).
Photo by Matt Akana
Nu-grunge has been described as a post-grunge movement — a revival that first emerged in the 2010’s (and continues into the 2020’s). This was a response to an increased demand for distorted guitar riffs, pulsing drumbeats and a relentless rhythm that beckons for an emotional response. Some of the genre’s representatives are Return to Dust and Dark Sun.
The neighborhood’s underground scene has flourished in the past decade, thanks to its proximity to Bushwick. A few of the venues that harvested the scene are TV Eye, a nightclub known for its energetic live sets, The Keep, an antique haunt with a homely atmosphere and The Office, an after-hours space with a thriving techno scene.
When asked about the positive response to Scarhaven’s sold-out show on Sunday, March 15, Shapira said that part of the success stemmed from playing alongside Radium Dolls, an Australian punk rock band. Their fans showed up in droves for a mosh-filled evening.
Photo by Matt Akana
Edson also shared with QNS about their inspiration for taking up the genre.
“I think it really stems from just our influences growing up [Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains] and kind of going in the direction of that in a way, but kind of making it our own.”
The Scarhaven drummer made it clear that the band wanted to “carve their own path” in terms of songwriting and music composition.
Heading into some of the songs on their EP, including “Black is Light” and “Drowned,” Saint said he draws on positive and negative “human experiences” people go through at different life stages.
Photo by Matt Akana
“When the guys sometimes write a piece, I tend to feel whatever that instrumental piece makes me feel, and based on that, I write lyrics also.” Saint continued to share that his art is also pulled from current world affairs and other personal influences that drive his songwriting methods.
The six-song EP ushers in a raw edge that is rarely seen (or felt) in modern alternative bands. One of their songs, “I’m Not Dead Yet,” creates a heavy listening experience, complemented by the vocalist’s haunting howls against a layer of hard-hitting instrumentals. Judging by their dark, sincere harmonies, the quartet’s first live set in Queens is bound to leave their sound echoing into the ears (and hearts) of rock n’ roll fans.
Scarhaven will be playing their set with Reach NYC, Baby Nothing and Holy Vulture. Interested attendees can grab tickets for $15, so don’t forget to purchase them before the show. Tickets at the door will be priced at $20.
The doors will open at 7 p.m. Please be advised that the minimum age to enter is 21 and all IDs will be checked for entry.