Nick Sonderup was selected to review a Caveman show earlier this month in New York. Here is his report (and his photo)._

Caveman
Webster Hall
New York, N.Y.
April 10

The hometown show is a highlight for any touring band, especially when the setting is still intimate enough to retain the hometown feel. Caveman’s relatively quick ascension to indie rock stardom (the band formed in 2010) means that feeling may not last all that much longer, but singer Matt Iwanusa was clearly not thinking about that. He was just happy to be playing Webster Hall. “I used to see a lot of shows here in high school,” said Iwanusa.

But while the friends and family vibe was strong, the real strength of the night came from the stage. The Cave (as they like to refer to themselves) ripped through songs from both their new, self-titled release Caveman, and their debut, CoCo Beware, with seamless transition.

The “old” material from CoCo Beware easily retained what makes them great, while also sounding new and fresh, often with longer, more drawn out intros/outros (and road-tested experience). “My Time” and “Old Friend” and “December 28” didn’t disappoint.

The new material – more ethereal, soulful, and in some places, quieter and more insular – translated really well live to the packed main room at Webster Hall. “In the City” and “Where’s the Time” sounded larger than life. “Over My Head” revealed Iwanusa’s soulful, almost R&B side. While “Never Want to Know” was dreamy and lethargic – in a good way.

Throughout the night, the band pulled off a sound that was pro and rehearsed, as well as a vibe that was laid back and relatable. A combination that’s hard to pull off in indie rock – to both take your music seriously, but not take yourself too seriously.

I used to share a rehearsal space with some of the guys in Caveman – Iwanusa & guitarist Jimmy “Cobra” Carbonetti – when they were part of The Subjects. So I’ve been lucky enough to see their rise from up close, and how they became a bit more polished, a bit more pro. The Cave is a band that can bring it home. And not just for the hometown crowd.