I first came across the name Nonstop to Cairo while browsing through upcoming shows around Long Island; something I suggest music lovers try when searching for new music. It’s amazing how much unknown, genuine talent there is out there just waiting for their shot. Their name alone caught my attention immediately, so naturally I had to hear what they sounded like. After listening to one song, I immediately purchased tickets to check them out the following night (yes, they are THAT good!). Nonstop to Cairo opened for The English Beat at The Paramount Theater in Huntington, NY on November 8th, 2017.
Nothing says it’s going be a good show like seeing the reaction of 100+ middle age people as they hear Big Sean and Kendrick Lamar’s verses in Holy Key by DJ Khaled (solid song choice to play before you come on, by the way). If Nonstop to Cairo were looking for a shock and awe way to capture the crowd’s attention from the jump, they sure accomplished that mission!
As the band came out on stage, they were met with only a few claps and cheers. It seemed that the crowd wasn’t sure what to make of this young band. Was their music going to be like the new age hip hop that played before them? Either way, the 5 man band didn’t let the hushed crowd get to them; hit the ground running with a 7 song set that blew the crowd’s (and my own) expectations out of the water!
The guys began with Chicken in my Oats, off of their most current album, Dabble Heavy. It was a no brainer as an opening song; a light ska song with heavy undertones to capture the ears of the crowd. As the sound of the horns radiated through the theater, everyone’s eyes were quickly drawn to the stage. When I looked around the theater, I only witnessed one side conversation taking place. Every other person was glued to the show. It was then that Nonstop won over the crowd.
After the first song, it was obvious the crowd was more reserved than the band is used to. They needed help loosening up, and Nonstop’s astronomical energy and stage presence made sure that happened. August Harris (vocals), Nick Diamond (guitar & vocals), Matt Ezzo (bass), Alex Turner (drums & vocals) and Andrew Joseph (tenor saxophone) were determined to get the crowd moving no matter what. Watching these guys bounce all over the stage like they’re some of my 5th grade students was truly mesmerizing. They weren’t bouncing around to get the attention or seem like young wild rockers, THEY WERE HAVING FUN! It wasn’t long before the crowd sensed the authenticity of the band’s energy and were bouncing and jumping along with them.
As the show continued, the band introduced Get the Girl, the fourth track on Dabble Heavy. Get the Girl is a mellow, easy going song that is irresistible to anyone listening.
When the show began to near its end, August informed the crowd that they had something special for us. With that announcement came the introduction of Don’t Fridge Ian, an unrecorded jam session that left me speechless. Nick Diamond describes it as a “surfy, ska, horn dominant jam” and he couldn’t be more accurate. The jam session highlighted each band members unique talents, and not a single one of them held back. It was the perfect intro to their final song of the night.
With the introduction of Influenzska, another track off of Dabble Heavy, the guys set off to have the time of their lives on stage. Influenzska is led by August Harris, whose hip hop style vocals are a force to be reckoned with. If you have never been to a hip hop show before, it is common to hear the artist yell into the microphone. As you can imagine, this yelling causes the artist to lose the sound from the album that his/her fans fell in love with. Fortunately for Nonstop to Cairo, August Harris never has to worry about this issue. His vocal performance was identical to the album version, and he knew it. August’s confidence was unwavering throughout the entirety of the show, and I couldn’t have been more impressed.
Hailing from Baldwin, NY, Nonstop to Cairo is a band that is sure to have a huge impact on the music industry. They’re unmatched energy, dedication and pure enjoyment of their craft is what will keep them going for years to come. It is only right that I end this with words directly from them: ”Always give them more than they expected. Coming to you live in your direction. Surely to be legends on our exit.”
Make sure to check out Nonstop to Cairo at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh, NY with Badfish (a Sublime tribute band) on December 27th, 2017!