Over the past few years, the band known as New Politics has been steadily rising in popularity with their fresh Alternative Rock sound. Combining parts of Rock, Punk, Hip Hop, Pop, and Dance, their energetic brand of music is nothing less than irresistible to listening audiences. Originally founded in Copenhagen, Denmark by Vocalist David Boyd and Guitarist Søren Hansen, the band has called New York City home for some time and are completed as a three-piece with New York native Louis Vecchio on drums. The type of act that can mingle with a broad crowd of listeners, New Politics reached a new level after their appearance back in 2013 on Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival in support of their sophomore record A Bad Girl in Harlem. A record which topped US charts, anchored by the mega hit “Harlem,” the band went on to some major touring in 2014 with the likes of Paramore, as well as sold out solo shows around the country.
Now in 2015, they return with their highly anticipated third studio record, Vikings, released via Warner Bros Records on Friday August 14th. With the two singles “Everywhere I Go (Kings & Queens)” and “West End Kids” already released in the months prior to the album dropping, the buzz around New Politics is as loud as ever. Bringing that buzz to Long Island, New Politics made a special appearance at the area’s number one Independent Record Store, Looney Tunes, in West Babylon for an intimate acoustic set along with a meet and greet/autograph signing to celebrate the release of Vikings five days earlier. With a line of adoring fans forming outside the store an hour prior to the event beginning, many were heard talking about how excited they were to see the band up close and personal.
As fans gathered in between the extensive selection of music neatly displayed on racks, New Politics were introduced by store owner Karl Groeger Jr to a roar of cheers. Coming onto the stage somewhat blushing from the reception, each musician let their fun, loving personalities shine with big smiles, tons of laughs, and a good sense of humor. Kicking off their unplugged set with their A Bad Girl in Harlem track “Give Me Hope,” singing affectionately, Boyd stood center stage while Vecchio slapped an microphoned cajon box on Boyd’s left and Hasen, to the right, strummed an acoustic guitar. Taking the time to speak with the audience and show their appreciation for everyone coming out, Boyd spoke of their adapting to New York culture and even attempted to impersonate a few of the tri-state area’s varied accents. Having everyone chuckling and smiling as well, the three went into aforementioned Vikings single “Everywhere I Go (Kings & Queens)” where Boyd continued to dance through the lyrics with ease.
Giving the audience some personal insight into the writing and recording of the record, they stated they are always writing new music and even gave everyone an exclusive listen to their song “Melanie.” Continuing to show their sense of humor, the track is in fact about a dolphin, where Boyd even made noises of the animal making Vecchio and Hasen nearly fall off their seats in laughter. A wonderful way to keep the mood loose, they also played delightful uplifting songs like 2013’s “Overcome” and the extremely catchy single “West End Kids,” which Vecchio and Hasen provided backing vocals.
While Boyd is known for his colorful and engaging personality on stage, perhaps one of his most enduring attributes is his fantastic dancing ability. With limited space to break into his full dance routine, Vecchio and Hasen provided a groovy, little jam as Boyd contoured his body in slow motion as he crept off the platform and interacted with fans in the audience. A delightful way to keep the positive energy flowing, the band introduced the final track of their set and had everyone’s heart racing as they went into “Harlem.” With fans bopping their heads and singing along, the acoustic rendition of the song worked exceptionally well for the mood. All pumped up from the offering of music, everyone patiently waited their turn in the minutes following to be up front and meet the three musicians, have their copy of Vikings signed, take photos, and even exchange hugs of joy.
New Politics were more than promoting Vikings, they were humbled to have fans come out and support them, thus treating them like one of the family. They recently lit up the Beach Stage at Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival Sunday August 23rd at Nikon at Jones Beach in Wantagh, and the band will be back on Long Island at The Paramount in Huntington on November 25th as a part of The Wilderness Politics Tour with Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness, so act fast and get tickets now.
YES someone who gets this band , very cool REVIEW yes the band was happy to meet and greet more!!!!!!