Kicking off the past weekend, The Hamilton welcomed the Boston-based, jamtastic foursome, Neighbor for the first time ever Friday night.  Attendees trickled in slowly to start off the show and fans were greeted with thanks from keyboard player and founding member Richard James.  Long time fans even made sure to make the newcomers were coming to see the band for the first time feel welcome by gifting them sequined slap bracelets as a neighborly gesture.   Others in the crowd have had a good time courtesy of the band over the past few months and those who were lucky enough to attend the inaugural Ramble Festival got to see Neighbor throw down at two different sets – one being an unforgettable late night get down.

For those who aren’t familiar, the band was formed back in 2019 by actual neighbors Ricky James and guitarist Lyle Brewer who played music together when they were younger.  After being a member of the notoriously fun, collective tribute band Pink Talking Phish, James thought about wanting to try something different and got back into playing music with not only Brewer but also Dan Kelly on bass and Dean Johnston on drums.

Friday night the foursome eased into things but held nothing back as far as their musical capabilities and ensured the crowd they were in for one wild ride as far as musical variety.  What this band consistently delivers is a ride all around the musical map playing funky jams that are soulful and deep.  Back when first formed, the band held a weekly residency spot at a Massachusetts venue where the ‘Neighbors” (what the fans and followers of the band are often referred to as) were truly solidified.  That is where people fell in love with the band and a definite following was born as the Neighbors formed a Neighborhood.

With musical influence and talent that stretches quite wide, song after song, ears rang with familiar sounds and riffs.  Keyboard player James hit notes and echoed sounds of everyone from Johnny Cash to John Denver.  The Phish influence was more than clear multiple times throughout the night when ticket holders could hear sounds that made you think you almost think you were somewhere else for a moment.  Add in the solos that we were able to watch Brewer and Kelly suck people in on were another piece of the Neighbor pie that everyone wanted more of.  

Two incredibly strong sets were rounded out with fun banter and comments that were shared between everyone that filled the basement of the adored DC venue that night.  The collective talent and solos that the foursome shared were not only impressive but also amazingly fun and all of those reasons are why we are sure to see Neighbor continue to grow and gain following, inevitably climbing up festival lineup posters and adding venues and cities far and wide over the months and years to come.  A true party vibe band where seeing them means making new friends, being blown away by talent and having a real good time – what more could you ask for?

Even though it was there first time in DC they shared with everyone that it definitely didn’t feel like it and how so many of their friends and family were able to be with them that night so it was like being home.  Graciously thanking everyone from attendees to the venue and ‘especially the chef’ at Hamilton, the band promised they’d be back soon and we can’t wait to have them back in the neighborhood.  

Added bonus for the vinyl enthusiasts and Neighbor fans, we learned the night of the show that their vinyl has been pressed and will be available for purchase in the near future - start thinking about holiday gifts for your music loving friends now!

The T-Shirt says it all, fans are 100% Sold On Neighbor.