REVIEW: NO PLACE I’D RATHER BE THAN A WINYAH SHOW
WRITTEN BY RENA DANHO
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Photo by Sophie Ayers
Defying the name of their tour, Winyah goes on to prove, show by show, there’s no other place you’d rather be than a Winyah show.
Hailing all the way from South Carolina, Winyah never fails to bring the most energetic and liveliest shows anywhere they go, and Ocean Mist in Rhode Island is no exception. Located in Wakefield, Rhode Island, right on the Atlantic Ocean, lies Ocean Mist. One of my favorite venues I have ever been to, where else can I go to see live music, sit and watch the waves while eating calamari and drinking margaritas? Although the show didn’t start until 9:30, and there was no opener, getting there early was a must to enjoy the venue and really take in the experience. As time went by, more and more people filled in wearing various outfits from cowboy boots to long maxi skirts and even some sequin tops, drowning out the locals in the bar.
While waiting for the time to pass by, fans started grabbing different drinks from the bar and then taking their spots by the stage. Even though 9:30 felt so far away, in no time the house lights turned off, and the bar music slowed. Winyah started to take the stage, filling the venue with screams and excitement. As each member of Winyah walks onto the stage, anticipation fills the room as everyone waits for one of the members to start playing their instruments. Almost like they’ve played the venue before, every member of the band joined the stage and took their place, as they’ve done this before.
Starting with “Ignition,” a song not yet out on streaming, we not only got a sneak peek into new music, but also a look into what we’re in for. Setting the stage for the rest of the night, although a song that hasn’t been heard by many, it doesn’t fail to sound so familiar and build excitement for the rest of the set. Soon after, “Feel It All Again” follows, and the room, if possible, somehow gets louder than it already was, with more singing and screaming in accordance with the song.
The energy is completely unmatched and only builds as more and more songs are being played. Thomas Rowland, Luke Gordon, and Stephen Russell match the crowd, giving more and more as it only grows into the night. With Rowland and Gordon playing guitar while Russell plays bass, it not only feels like they’re playing a show for us, but that they’re in their element, so locked into their instruments and each other. Always in between making sure everyone is having fun, and also making sure each other on stage is having fun, playing off of each other, and walking to each end of the stage. And of course, don't forget Rob Buffington on keys, or Jake Riley on drums; despite being in the back and seated, this doesn’t stop either of them from creating as much energy as the rest of the band.
Throughout the show, new songs and old songs are played, but even with the new songs, there doesn’t seem to be a drop or a lull in the crowd. Showcasing their new song “Spinning” and giving us another peek into their newer music with “Lust” created excitement and curiosity surrounding their new music. “Long Time Comin,” “Thread,” and of course “Lay Me Down” were also some of the biggest highlights of the show, and songs that are never amiss at their shows. Every song, there wasn’t a person standing still; there was constant singing and dancing throughout the night. It is indeed a Winyah summer, and Winyah has no problem proving that.
As quickly as it started, the show seemed to end, but not without an encore of “Good People” and a cover of “Elephant” by Tame Impala, ending their set with their whole discography and more. Although a small band from South Carolina, Winyah had no problems making Ocean Mist their home for the night, headlining, and creating so much energy that they navigated a whole crowd for over an hour. Every tour this band seems to grow a bigger and bigger crowd, and sells out more and more venues, and like the band has said themselves, truly “there is no place I’d rather be.” Not only is this a tour you don’t want to miss, but this isn’t a band you want to miss.