{"id":205023,"date":"2026-04-21T18:47:45","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T18:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/205023\/"},"modified":"2026-04-21T18:47:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T18:47:45","slug":"scarhavens-queens-debut-show-at-bar-freda-in-ridgewood-strikes-an-emotional-chord-qns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/205023\/","title":{"rendered":"Scarhaven\u2019s Queens debut show at Bar Freda in Ridgewood strikes an emotional chord \u2013 QNS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sometimes, rock n\u2019 roll is a genre best told in dimly lit basements, where every note hits close to home.\n<\/p>\n

Scarhaven<\/a>, a nu-grunge band<\/a>, arrived at Bar Freda<\/a> in Ridgewood<\/a> on Wednesday, April 15, where they performed six hypnotic hits from their new EP Changing<\/a>.\u00a0Last week\u2019s set unfolded like a slow burn, built with enough tension and released with an intense sound that\u2019s hard to forget.<\/p>\n

Once inside the two-level, laid-back bar, located at 8-01 Seneca Ave., the space emits a vibe that welcomes everyone from all backgrounds to enter its doors. The casual neighborhood dive\u2019s steady rotation of inexpensive drinks and local acts makes it a breeding ground for the underground scene. The inclusive motto, which emphasizes a lack of tolerance for racism, sexism or any other form of bigotry, makes Bar Freda one of the premier spots to unwind. And, at the same time, rock out to the city\u2019s finest bands.<\/p>\n

\"\"The interior of Bar Freda in Ridgewood. Photo by Paulina Albarracin
\n\"\"Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

After Reach NYC<\/a>,\u00a0Baby Nothing<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Holy Vulture<\/a> played their respective sets, Scarhaven strutted to the stage with quiet confidence, leaving the audience to anticipate their chords.<\/p>\n

Michael Saint, the vocalist, led the charge with \u201cLevitate,\u201d a riff-filled, emotionally-charged song that speaks to the band\u2019s inner world. Behind the vocals, Kilroy\u2019s strumming and Shapira\u2019s beat precision provided a sonic tremor, treating the audience to a raw experience.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

Their next song, \u201cBlack is Light,\u201d combines the distortion with a rhythm section that holds the audience closer with each second. Saint\u2019s focused gaze gives an almost comforting feeling that everything will turn out for the better \u2014 a message many people can find solace in, especially in times when one feels cornered.<\/p>\n

One of their songs, \u201cI\u2019m Not Dead Yet,\u201d is among their most powerful. The chorus, \u201cI\u2019m coming back to life\/I feel I\u2019m still alive\/Coming back to life,\u201d holds an inevitable comparison to Audioslave and Velvet Revolver with a dash of Chris Cornell, but their own original sound still blossoms from the music. The vocals remain a powerhouse in this tune, as the song closes with Saint\u2019s soaring notes, leaving a haunting impression on the evening\u2019s attendees.<\/p>\n

A standout song was \u201cDrowned,\u201d in which Saint reaches down to express his vulnerability with the audience. For this rendition of the ballad, the band dedicated it to a close friend and mentor, Shiva, who passed a few weeks ago, adding to its somber meaning. No emotions were left unexposed, reaching out to fans in an empathetic embrace.<\/p>\n

After the show, QNS spoke with Shapira, Kilroy and Saint for their thoughts behind the band\u2019s Queens debut show. The band members were impressed by the evening\u2019s turnout, which exemplified nu-grunge\u2019s growing popularity.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Briana Sista
\n\"\"Photo by Briana Sista<\/p>\n

Shapira noted that his favorite song to play was \u201cI\u2019m Not Dead Yet,\u201d or INDY, a song that showcased his guitar prowess.<\/p>\n

Continuing with \u201cDrowned,\u201d the song was dedicated to their recently passed mentor. Shapira described him as someone who would give them a pep talk, energizing them to take on their shows \u2014 their last show together being their sold-out concert in Mercury Lounge.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe would really be investing a lot into the band, and it was a very sudden thing,\u201d said Shapira. He also noted playing with \u201chis spirit in mind,\u201d highlighting his presence in Scarhaven\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n

Saint defined the crowd\u2019s energy as \u201camazing\u201d and \u201cunspoken\u201d in his first live experience in Ridgewood. Overall, Scarhaven appreciated how close the band was to the audience, feeling a connection that radiated from the attendees\u2019 returned gaze.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Briana Sista<\/p>\n

When Shiva\u2019s passing was mentioned, Saint recalled meeting him with their producer, Jim Kaufman. He went on to describe Shiva as someone who \u201cmotivates you and pushes you in directions you\u2019re not really used to\u201d because he believed in the band\u2019s potential.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he also just had a huge heart and a passion for music and love,\u201d shared Saint. \u201cIt was a shock when I heard, and I love him dearly, and I hope he\u2019s resting in peace up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I hope we make him proud,\u201d added Saint.\n<\/p>\n

Shiva also reportedly spoke in a voicemail about how much he loved the song \u201cDrowned,\u201d adding a deeply personal touch to the band\u2019s decision to dedicate it in his memory.<\/p>\n

Kilroy echoed their sentiment, describing Shiva as a \u201cpretty big part of our music.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Briana Sista<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen he rearranged some of our songs, he gave us a lot of tips. He always gave us some speeches before we went on stage,\u201d shared Kilroy.<\/p>\n

With their mentor\u2019s memory in mind, the Queens debut show encouraged the band to move forward with their next show at Alphaville<\/a> in Bushwick, located at 140 Wilson Ave., on Thursday, April 30, at 7 p.m., alongside Tiger Would!<\/a> and Fleet<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Briana Sista
\n\"\"Photo by Briana Sista<\/p>\n

To listen to Scarhaven\u2019s EP, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n