With the return of winter weather in Pittsburgh, I’ve been on the hunt for anything and everything warm to remind me of summer. Hot mochas, cozy soups, and fuzzy blankets are at the top of my vocabulary. After Friday’s show at Club Cafe, I’ve discovered my newest comfort is in music by Oliver Hazard and Brother Elsey.
From the moment they stepped on stage to the last note, Oliver Hazard’s presence was warm, cozy, and welcoming with hints of awkward (in the best way possible). They even made proper use of the word “yinz”, which we all know is the way to a Pittsburgher’s heart. They were also very humble, mentioning it was a dream to tour with their best friends and how happy they were to be living that dream.
Their lineup is a simple 3-piece group from northwestern Ohio, most notably missing a designated “drummer” and instead opting for a few foot pedals to cover some light percussion parts. Lyrics in their songs talk about life topics such as believing in something and trusting your instincts – something everyone can relate to.
Also on tour with Oliver Hazard is Brother Elsey, an alt-indie band made up of four brothers from Detroit. Brother Elsey writes a lot about family and how much of an impact it has on their lives. Closing their set with a fan favorite, Dreamer, brought the audience to life yelling lyrics about bravery and not giving up.
Walking into this show I made a joke to my friend about needing a drink after a long week at work. I was stressed, tired, and honestly wasn’t even in the mood for a concert. After Oliver Hazard’s first song, I knew I had made the right decision to go out. After Brother Elsey’s last song, I turned to Ashley and said “that was EXACTLY what I needed”. Comfy, cozy, warm, & fuzzy – the best possible way to spend a Friday night.
Live from the Pitt 