Forth Wanderers bring the fun and joy to a sold out, Market Hotel in Brooklyn in celebration of their new, self-titled album.

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It’s not often that the young members of Forth Wanderers are all playing in the same room together let alone headlining a show. Which is why the celebration for their self-titled, sophomore album release (out April 27th via Sub Pop) at the Market Hotel in Brooklyn, New York felt extra special.

The members of Forth Wanderers all grew up together in Montclair, New Jersey and first started collaborating in high school. Now, all are in college studying at mostly separate schools. It’s hard to believe that within that time, the band has already released two EPs and two LPs. About a year and a half ago, I wrote my first article for Atwood on the band’s single “Slop,” the first off their EP of the same name that thrusted them into a newfound spotlight. Their songs were laced with nostalgic melodies that were accompanied by singer Ava Trilling’s personal lyrics that felt all too relatable.

Watch: “Not For Me” – Forth Wanderers

They’ve now honed and crafted their slacker pop style into an impressive new album that served as the set list for their sold out Brooklyn show. After support from openers Trace Mountains and Ó (formerly Eskimeaux), the five-piece took the stage and played several songs from their new album including, “Nevermine,” “Company,” and “Ages Ago.” Trilling’s earnest, low-pitched vocals warmingly drifted over the band’s fuzzy melodies. When Trilling addressed the crowd, she humbly revealed how excited they were to be playing their release show in Brooklyn. The college kids took multiple moments to have fun with the audience including one where they misled everyone by playing the intro to The Pixies’ “Where is My Mind?” before abruptly stopping for a fake out.

Although the show was put on to promote their most recent album, they didn’t shy away from playing old tracks that brought them back to their high school days with the energetic “Blondes Have More Fun” from their first LP Tough Love (2014) and the emotive, lo-fi track “Paws” from their first EP Mahogany (2013). The latter, written by a 15 year old Trilling, is comprised of lyrics that stress the confused emotions that come with falling in love, somehow in a way that people at any age can empathize with.

Watch: “Slop” – Forth Wanderers

When the show was briefly delayed by a technical, audio issue where Trilling’s mic was cut off, it didn’t seem to put a damper on the crowd’s mood as they were entertained by the band playing short spurts of random melodies. Cheers broke out when the issue was fixed and Trilling bashfully continued to lead the show forward. A more relaxed moment came when Forth Wanderers played “Be My Baby,” a song that Trilling introduced as an exceptionally personal one and one of her favorites to perform. Throughout the show, every member goofed around with each other and the intimate venue made it feel like you were watching your friends play a house show.

When it came time to sign off, Trilling once again voiced her appreciation for the crowd’s support and introduced the rest of the band, spiritedly adding, “These are my homies!” They then closed out the show with the crowd favorite, “Slop,” and the audience swayed and sang as if they had been waiting for this opportunity to release all the emotions the song brought out in them.

It’s undeniable that this is only the start of a bright future for Forth Wanderers, as one person told me at the end of their show that he had seen them play many times before but this had been the best they’ve ever sounded. I strongly urge anyone reading not to miss their chance to hear for themselves during a string of dates on their summer tour. It’s an inspiring experience to see a band early on that you can tell is going to do big things.

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