Indie-pop band MisterWives took to the Brooklyn Bowl stage for their “Just For One Night!” tour on October 9, delivering a lively performance to an enthusiastic crowd. The band, with lead singer Mandy Lee, guitarist Marc Campbell, drummer Etienne Bowler, bass guitarist William Hehir and keyboardist and saxophonist Mike Murphy, played an incredible set that encapsulated their years of making and performing music.
In August, MisterWives announced in an Instagram post that after touring for over ten years, most recently on a co-headline with Bishop Briggs last year, the band would be taking a break. The “Just For One Night!” tour celebrated a decade’s worth of music and memories. Fans helped pick out a setlist composed of the band’s classic hits and some of the punk-pop tunes from their newest album, “Nosebleeds: Encore.”
Opening at 8:30 p.m. CDT with the rock jam of “Organized Chaos,” the band brought an immediate energy that got the audience clapping along. MisterWives’ songs truly shine when performed live, and as Lee jumped around the stage and Murphy played a jazzy saxophone solo, the band’s high energy was contagious.
“Whatever it is you’re going through right now, this is your safe space to let it all out,” Lee said to a cheering crowd.
And let go they did. There didn’t seem to be a moment where people weren’t dancing, jumping or clapping along. Some fan-favorites were the songs “whywhywhy,” “Reflections” and “SUPERBLOOM.” Lee’s powerful vocals, paired with the electric band, made for a strong and catchy sound — it was impossible not to bop my head along.
At one point, Nashville-based singer Charlotte Sands joined the band on stage to perform their collaboration single “Other Side.” As Sands and Lee leaned against each other and sang out the lyrics, their punk-rock belting merged into one powerful voice.
Near the end of the show, to fans’ delight, Lee jumped into the crowd, performing in the heart of the general admission section of Brooklyn Bowl. This was a perfect conclusion for what MisterWives’ music represents: togetherness. The “Just For One Night!” tour was a perfect celebration of years of MisterWives making music, having fun and sharing their passion with the world.
