Walking the tightrope between live music, performance art, and bonafide circus act, Beats Antique came through Brooklyn early February with an exhilarating one of a kind show. The mood throughout the night was typified by Middle Eastern melodies, bombastic percussion, and an indulgence of electronic elements. 

Opening act Balkan Bump (Will Magid), found the perfect complementary energy and sound to our headliner. Beginning with a single ominous note from his trumpet, serving as a beacon to an eager crowd, Magid poured through sultry world beats while accenting all tracks with his masterful use of brass. Magid knew how to build suspense, and when to break it all down to a satisfyingly fuzzy dubstep drop. He playfully made his way around the stage, interacting with the audience while simultaneously managing the DJ booth. An electro swing cover of “I’m Blue (Da Ba Dee)”, and the iconic “Talk Dirty” trumpet melody put the audience right in his palm. Magid’s giddy youthful spirit was palpable, rally-toweling his way to an impressive full hour direct opening slot.

The prevailing ecstaticity was transferred to a newly darkened stage. Shrouded in a veil, Zoe Jakes enters stage left. Complete with rhinestone horns and a devilish look in her eye, Beats Antique begins their set with foreboding gravitas. Mesmerizing belly dancing by Jakes, flawless percussion by Sidecar Tommy, and impeccable strings from David Satori. Working together since 2005, this trio This group is kismet incarnate. Satori was seen playing every string instrument that you simply can not imagine. Whether it's a diminutive plucky sound, or deep bellows from a bowed guimbri, Satori’s impressive skills are captivating and notably the only live treble that can be found onstage. 

Ableton Live backing tracks were used for the absent wind and brass sections. While we were treated to Balkan Bump joining Beats Antique for the final song with trumpet in hand, I found myself wanting more live brass or clarinet during each song on their generously long setlist. Nonetheless, the visual spectacle of Jakes along with two other dancers who are graduates of Jake’s own Fusion Belly Dance program “DanceCraft”, was more than enough to keep the audience engaged and mouth agape through the duration. Utilizing marching band drums, fan flags, feathers, pom poms, and more than 8 costume changes, Zoe Jakes and dance troupe brought a new and exciting spectacle for each song. Highlighted ever so appropriately on the track “Three Sisters”, the talented women were in lock step with rapturous drumming acumen. 

Personal track highlights included, “Dope Crunk”, “Vendetta” (feat. an-ten-ae), “Dirty South” (feat. Gurbax), and “Bhangra Saanj” (feat. The String Cheese Incident). Gracious enough to regale us with an all out encore, Beats Antique and Balkan Bump ended with the Beats Antique classic, “Beauty Beats”,  and the Balkan Bump collaboration “The Devil Dance”. New Yorkers were blown away and showered the stage with thunderous applause as the performers literally collapsed on the floor in triumphant exhaustion. If you aren’t able to check out Beats Antique on their current tour, here’s a bare bones taste of their live experience from a decade agoBeats Antique - Full Performance (Live on KEXP).

Review & Photos by: Jay Bartell

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