All was right at Baby’s this Wednesday, as Wine Lips invigorated a sold out crowd at the beloved intimate Brooklyn venue. Early revelers trickled in to catch Zip Tie Handcuffs led a blitz of an opening set. The band dabbled in driving fuzzy psychedelic rock, 90’s weezer-adjacent riffs, and what was so aptly described by their drummer as “(we’re) not space rock…but we love space rock…so here’s a space rock song”. The charming emphasis on three part harmonies in this three piece band gave a catchy Beatles-esque dynamic, rarely found in modern garage rock. 

What was a reserved and reluctant crowd during the formidable openers, turned on a dime as Wine Lips took the stage. A meager mosh pit gave way to a frenzy that consumed half the floor of the club within minutes. Lead singer/guitarist Cam Hilborn, and bassist Charlie Weare delivered a relentless sonic assault, while sporting a Kenny Powers caliber sunglasses, mullet and sideburns trifecta. Drummer Aurora Evans opted for a toned down look, donning an A’s hat and fat black Elizabeth Taylor style sunglasses.

The headliners' set began with the rousing opening song “Eyes” on their most recent release, 2021’s “Mushroom Death Sex Bummer Party”.  Brash yet uplifting songs kept coming in waves from Wine Lips, with little crowd banter, check ins or water breaks. Unprompted authentic elated cries from drummer Aurora Evans during songs, seemed to echo the high octane approach of a fanbase that attempted to crowd surf in a low clearance 280 person capacity venue. The few breakdowns the room received from the band in between the pummeling garage punk cacophony, was met by the well won over throng of headbangers and sing-a-long devotees. With break neck speed, the hour and 10 minute excursion felt like half that.

The set thundered to a close with standouts “Suffer The Joy” and “Big Muff”. The former of which could serve as a Wine Lips 7 minute resume, showcasing every style in their tremendous arsenal. Tightly knit Canadian garage punk upstarts gave Baby’s a Wednesday night that had the fire and fervor of a Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Check out Wine Lips recently released “Audiotree Live” EP on all major streaming platforms for a taste of the potent vigor they bring to their live experience.

Review & Photos by: Jay Bartell

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