Rooney

From their long beach-kissed hair to their tight jeans, Rooney are the quintessential California rock band -- if you were back in 1975.
But don’t think that it’s all about their look. Rooney’s songs sound like the perfect accompaniment to the surfer and skater scene in the Sunshine state. With three albums and an EP under their belts, singer and rhythm guitar player Robert Schwartzman, lead guitarist Taylor Locke, drummer Ned Bower, keys player Louie Stephens and bassist Brandon Schwartzel bring their instrumental skills on ‘When Did Your Heart Go Missing?,’ ‘Don’t Come Around Again’ and ‘I’m Shakin’.’
Seeing them perform live at the once-open Maxwell’s in Hoboken, New Jersey, was quite a treat -- not only because it’s literally the next town over from me but it was also fun to see these West Coast guys play an East Coast club. Since Maxwell’s was a bar and restaurant with a ‘venue’ in the back, there wasn’t much room for a distinct space between the band and their fans. However, they were very sweet to those who came out to see them and were more than ready to play their faces off. The guys packed themselves onto the small stage (and actually fit) and broke into ‘Blueside,’ a song that throws you into the Pacific Ocean in hopes that you’ll get up and ride the waves. Rooney brought their California tunes to the other coast and easily heated up the already muggy summer night. But no one cared because they were too busy having a dance party in the middle of the floor, which Robert was more than willing to join in as well.

AMAZING!

Acoustic set was intimate and awesome and rife with nostalgia.

Robert Schwartzman took the time to explain the impetus and meaning of some songs from the first album which made me love the songs even more.

10/10 would recommend