Photo credit: United Sounds NYC Festival
Words by: Astrida Valigorsky
The United Sounds NYC Festival unveiled its inaugural lineup at the non-profit cultural center Pioneer Works in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood on October 25 and 26. The festival was conceived by Diane Perini, co-founder of the Siren Music Festival, which ran for 10 years in Coney Island. Known for her keen eye for emerging talent, Perini ensured that United Sounds functioned, in part, as a festival of discovery for many attendees.
Each day kicked off with DJ OJ Acetone spinning a mix of ’80s and ’90s hits for about an hour before the opening acts took the stage. He continued to DJ between sets, keeping the energy up as the stage was reset for each performance. CONE was on the scene for both days of the Brooklyn-based festival. Here’s a rundown of what went down.
Julia Vasallo of Slow Fiction
Day One – Friday October 25th
The first day of the festival kicked off with Slow Fiction, a New York City-based five-piece band known for their driving drums and “trash pop” sound. Lead singer Julia Vasallo, dressed in a voluminous trapeze dress, swirled and crooned through danceable lyrics, setting an energetic tone for the night.
Next up, Los Angeles’ Rocket delivered a solid garage rock set, with vocals reminiscent of Dolores O’Riordan, the late frontwoman of The Cranberries. The performance had its share of interruptions, however, as drummer Cooper Ladomade broke a total of four drumsticks during the set due to his intense drumming style.
Brooklyn’s Model/Actriz followed, launching into their set with theatrical flair as lead singer Cole Haden channeled a loungey Freddie Mercury. The band’s post-punk noise surged through the venue as Haden took his performance to the crowd, leaping over the barricade and staying in the audience for most of the set, engaging with fans in a wild, unpredictable way.
Local favorite Sunflower Bean was up next, taking the primetime 8 p.m. slot. The trio, fresh off the release of their new EP Shake, brought their signature mix of indie rock to the stage. Their set featured tracks from the new EP, along with vibrant video graphics that added to the immersive experience.
Closing out Friday night with a bang was a standout performance by Washington, D.C.-based group The Dismemberment Plan. It’s hard to believe the band has been around since the ’90s, having gone through several breakups along the way. United Sounds marked the final stop of their six-show reunion tour, and what a show it was. Fans reveled in the band’s early hits, dancing and singing along as if no time had passed at all.
Day Two – Saturday October 26th
The second and final day of United Sounds picked up right where Friday left off, starting with NYC-based Bec Lauder and The Noise. Although they began their set to a nearly empty room, their electrifying performance quickly drew in a crowd, and by the end, a throng of engaged patrons had gathered, completely absorbed in the music.
LA’s Peel Dream Magazine kept the momentum going, smoothly gliding through tracks from their fourth album. Their atmospheric sound and mellow vibes maintained the positive energy in the room.
The evening surged into full swing with NYC newcomer Monobloc, whose high-voltage performance belied their lack of a full album. Despite not having a studio release yet, Monobloc was placed later in the lineup due to their sheer dynamism. The band immediately captured the crowd’s attention with their electrifying performance. Lead vocalist Timothy Waldron’s heartfelt lyrics and distinctive voice—a mix of Jim Morrison’s brooding intensity and Chris Cornell’s soaring power—felt both familiar and fresh. With heavyweight management company Red Light Management backing them, Monobloc is a band to watch in the coming year.
Next, LA-based Man Man took the stage, leading fans through the first of two feisty, sequin-spangled musical romps of the evening. Their experimental rock set was a whirlwind of eclectic styles, silly lyrics, and wacky sounds, keeping the crowd delighted and fully engaged.
Les Savy Fav, the indie band coming from New York City, took the stage after Man Man, pushing experimental rock further into punk and post-punk territories with their high-energy set. Lead singer Tim Harrington first appeared onstage dressed as the Easter Bunny before diving into the crowd with abandon. Most of Harrington’s vocals were delivered between the stage and the audience, with a punk-rock intensity reminiscent of Dropkick Murphys.
As night descended, longstanding New York City favorites Blonde Redhead took the stage for their headlining set. Following the more experimental and chaotic performances earlier in the evening, their chill, directed tunes offered a rich, sweeping auditory contrast, providing a soothing balm for the largest crowd of the two-day festival.
Overall, the inaugural United Sounds NYC Festival offered excellent value for the roughly $60 ticket price, providing concertgoers with a memorable experience. Most left with a newfound appreciation for acts they had never seen before. The sprawling space of the recently renovated Pioneer Works can hold 1800 patrons, but attendance felt far more intimate with attendees moving fluidly from the great hall to the outside garden to enjoy the newly installed bar and food-trucks. Although the event did not sell out, it seemed well-managed and well-received, leading attendees to hope it returns in 2025. If the festival returns for its second year, it will definitely be worth checking out if you’re in the area.