Melt
Melt | Bearsville Theater | Woodstock, NY
February 21, 2025
Photographed by Haley Petrone
On February 21, 2025, sensational indie soul band Melt made a stop at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY for their Plant the Garden Tour. Following the Fall 2024 release of their first studio album If There’s a Heaven, Melt is making their rounds across the United States for a second time, starting off in upstate New York.
Woodstock coincidentally is where the band recorded, live-to-tape, their first album. Although it was only the second night of the tour, it felt as though it was special, not only for the band, but for fans as well. Some even showed up well before the door time to secure a front row spot. The band also encouraged concert attendees to come dressed in themed “garden party” attire, which was posted into their social media before the start of tour.
The night began with a phenomenal set by LÉA THE LOX, whose beautiful voice and lyricism got the crowd in a great mood. With anticipation in the air, the lights dimmed, and Melt took the stage. Fake flowers adorned the stage as well as the keyboard, mic stands and the entire band; dressed to the nines in funky floral attire. Melt consists of five members; Lead vocalist Veronica (Ron) Stewart-Frommer, guitarist Marlo Shankweiler, bassist Lucas Saur, drummer Andres Valbuena, and keyboardist Kai Ono. The band began their set with ‘Fake Romantic,’ the title track of their album. The band instantly filled the venue with infectious rhythms and ethereal vocals. Lead vocalist Ron took charge of the stage, their powerful melodies mesmerized the crowd. Every member of the band had their place on stage and it seemed as if they were all in their own worlds, but they all worked together to make the music flow together. Every so often one member would venture out of their “space” and interact with each other; Lucas and Marlo jamming it out together, as well as Ron dancing to Kai’s keys. The lead vocalist donned a rhythm section as well, a tambourine and for certain acoustic songs, they played guitar. A multi-talented feature of their skill and passion for music.
The Bearsville Theater created the perfect environment for the show, with wood walls and ceilings, four chandeliers and a disco ball. The theater had unbelievable sound quality, some of the best I have ever heard, although that could have been because of Melt. The sound mix was impressively balanced – each instrument found its place without overpowering the others. The lighting for the show was done perfectly, illuminating the band beautifully, allowing some great photographs.
Around halfway through the set, Ron sat on the edge of the stage with a cup of what one can only assume was tea. For one of the band's slower songs, this created a very intimate moment between the artists and the fans. Ron, backlit by the stage lights, created the perfect atmosphere for the mellow and emotional song. Following this, the band picked it back up for the rest of the show continuing their upbeat and high spirited tunes. Ending the show with ‘Heaven,’ an empowering song about the struggle of existence and embracing pain while holding onto hope and resilience.
The band walked off stage only for a few moments and then came back onstage for an encore. A fan in the crowd shouted out a song suggestion, “Inside,” they yelled, a track from Melt’s second release. Ron and the entire band excitedly accepted the request. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the addition to the setlist, everyone dancing to the music and enjoying themselves. The band enjoyed this suggestion so much they officially added it to the setlist for the rest of the tour. Melt closed the night with the song the tour is named after ‘Plant the Garden,’ a song which in its simplest form is about growing the community you want to see, which is what the band Melt is all about at their core.
If you find yourself in a city where Melt is playing this spring, I heavily suggest you take the chance to see them. Not only are their shows a performance, but an unforgettable experience for everyone in the crowd. The energy and passion of the entire band flows through every person in every room they play.
Keep up with Melt online:
Website / Instagram / Facebook / Spotify / Apple Music / Tikok / YouTube
