Words and Photos By Jonathan Levitt (A New Convert to the Church of Groove)
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There are few things more electrifying than stumbling upon a band for the first time and being utterly floored. That’s exactly what happened on July 24 at Le Poisson Rouge in Manhattan, when I witnessed the transcendental, mind-bending performance of Free Whenever, a group that—until that night—hadn’t been on my radar. Now, I can’t stop thinking about them
Opening bands rarely have it easy. Playing after the opening band and before the headliner? That’s a whole other level of challenge. Yet Free Whenever stepped into that role not with hesitation but with presence, fluidity, and an unmistakable spiritual energy. This wasn’t just a warm-up act. This was a full-on initiation ritual—an invitation to a dimension where funk grooves, psychedelic explorations, and tight-as-nails musicianship merge into something deeply emotional and totally alive.
From the moment the first note rang out, it was clear: this band has chemistry. Not just the kind you get from logging hours in a rehearsal space, but the rare kind that feels alchemical, intuitive, almost telepathic. The interplay between guitar, bass, and drums wasn’t just locked in—it danced, pushed, pulled, and exploded in real time. Every passage was a journey, each build-up carefully sculpted until it burst into something ecstatic, something almost cosmic.
What sets Free Whenever apart isn’t just their chops—though make no mistake, these players are virtuosos. What truly elevates them is their ability to channel feeling into every riff, every break, every improvisational left turn. There’s joy in their sound, but also tension, curiosity, and a deep respect for the space between notes. You could tell the crowd felt it too—those who gave themselves over to the experience were transported, as if the music had briefly opened a portal.
I saw that they have a new LP, and after catching a few words with the band post-show, I can’t wait to hear it. If this performance is any indication, we’re looking at a group on the verge of something special—not just another NYC act fighting for attention, but a band with the rare power to move people, body and soul.
Here’s hoping Free Whenever gets the ears they deserve across the city—and far beyond. Catch them while you can. They won’t stay a secret for long.