And although their set started late, Pearl Street Warehouse was packed nearly to capacity by the time Bencoolen dawned the stage, a sea of friends, family, and newfound fans cheering them on. The band — comprised of Teddy Scott (guitar), Paul Gregg (vocals, guitar), Jack Bentsen (alto sax), Will Lockery (drums), and Ben Suarez (bass) — are currently on the road on their largest tour to date.

Bencoolen solidified what we’d already had a hunch about — they are meant to be experienced live. While their recorded tracks are groovy and well-polished, their live sound is raw, authentic, and gritty. For an hour or so, the band became one with their instruments, working off each other’s energy. While the recorded album is by no means tame, while performing, everything felt electric, more alive. Fueled by the audience’s vibrancy, Bencoolen played confidently and with style, leaving ample room for improvisation and prolonged musical interludes.

From the more chilled out, jazzy vibes of “Roll On” to the hardcore and edgier sounds of “Show Me Your Hands”, Bencoolen performed something for everyone, playing a balanced mix between of new and old tracks.

There were opportunities for each member to show off, with an insane guitar solo during Bencoolen’s latest single “When You Look Back”, an eagerly welcomed sax solo to close out the show, and Gregg's iconic vocals soaring atop intricate melodies. Bencoolen have reached the sweet spot where they can gracefully show off their individual talents, while still working together to present a cohesive and united front.

Openers Disco Risqué and Swift Technique warmed up the crowd excellently, each playing a genre of music that fit well into the Bencoolen style. Horn-heavy and vibrant Disco Risqué had such a wide variety of sounds that were reminiscent of so many different bands — from Pink Floyd, to The Antlers, to Two Door Cinema Club, to Bei​rut — every track was a new adventure. Playing a near-consecutive jam for 45 minutes, Disco Risqué had everyone crowded toward the stage almost instantaneously, kicking off the night with infectious funk tunes.

Swift Technique kept the party going with their female-led and retro sound, as well as a mean cover of Talking Heads ”Psycho Killer”. With an eye-catching stage presence, the Philadelphia-based band had impressive and fervent jam sessions that really emphasized their musical prowess.

Bencoolen play with an ease and professionalism that was proven when they were able to maintain their composure when friends rowdily cheered them on from the crowds. Only cracking slight smiles, they were able to rock on without missing a beat.