Crumb + vagabon
Crumb headlined the evening with a mesmerizing set, supported by Vagabon, who brought her unique indie-electronic sound to warm up the crowd. Crumb’s performance fused alternative, shoegaze, and modern techno-synth beats, drawing the audience into an ethereal soundscape. Their setlist included fan favorites like:
Amama
Cracking
The Bug
Balloon
FOAWS
BNR
Genie
Ice Melt
Ghostride
Dust Bunny
Retreat
Side X Side
Crushxd
Nina
Trophy
Crumb, an indie band formed in 2016 in Brooklyn, New York, is known for their psychedelic blend of dreamy instrumentals and laid-back, intimate vocals. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Lila Ramani, bassist and background vocalist Jesse Brotter, keyboardist/saxophonist Brian Aronow, and drummer Jonathan Gilad. The group met while studying at Tufts University and have since crafted a unique sound that blends indie rock, jazz, and lo-fi pop elements. Their music has earned them a loyal following, with a reputation for entrancing live performances.
Opening the night was Laetitia Tamko, who performs under the stage name Vagabon. Originally from Cameroon, Tamko moved to New York and began her music career in 2014. Vagabon’s sound is an eclectic mix of indie rock, electronic, and folk, drawing from a wide array of influences to create something deeply personal and distinctive. Her powerful vocals and honest lyricism have garnered her critical acclaim, especially with her self-titled 2019 album Vagabon, which took her sound in a more electronic, experimental direction. Vagabon's set at the Aztec Theater featured ethereal synths, mellow beats, and an intimate connection with the audience, setting the perfect tone for the night.
Standout moments from Crumb’s set included an unexpected saxophone solo that brought a bluesy flair to the otherwise dreamlike performance. The drummer’s solo also captivated the crowd, with heads bobbing in unison throughout the theater. The band’s lineup—a guitarist/vocalist, keyboardist/saxophonist, bassist/background vocalist, and drummer—worked together seamlessly, creating waves of sound that washed over the audience.
The visuals were just as captivating, with large rectangular frames holding reflective, shifting panels that lit up and mirrored the performance, adding depth and dimension to the experience. This visual pairing enhanced the crowd’s immersion in Crumb’s distinct, otherworldly style.
Fans erupted during performances of "The Bug" from their Amama (2024) album and "Ice Melt" from Ice Melt (2021), demonstrating the band’s ability to connect deeply with their audience. The crowd swayed together, entranced by the soft, elegant vocals and the atmospheric instrumentals that flowed like waves through the theater.
