Concert Review: Brook and the Bluff 032326

April 4th, 2026 by Ellie Walsh

Review by: Marley Lehmann (’28)

The Brook and The Bluff is an indie-rock band that was originally based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are currently touring around the country for their newest album, Werewolf. Thankfully, they stopped close by at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. The venue itself can hold around 1,200 people, and when we entered, it was packed. The show sold out! 

We arrived at the venue around 7 pm, and crowds were already forming at the barricades. Everyone was very excited for the concert to begin. The setting was perfect; there was dark lighting with LED’s highlighting the stage, interesting decorations, and posters of bands that have visited or are coming soon. One thing we immediately noticed was a table in the back corner where we were offered a chance to win a vinyl if we could prove that we were registered to vote. This was a very new and intriguing way to combine one’s love for music and position as a member of society. 

Before The Brook and The Bluff got on stage, we had the amazing opportunity to listen to their opener, Cassandra Coleman. Her performance was a pleasant surprise for us as we had not heard her incredible voice before that moment. Her vocals were raw, and her lyrics were emotional (yes, Abby and Ellie both cried to her music). We witnessed other members in the crowd attempting to find out who she was and add her to their playlists after the first song. She was a perfect choice to get the audience ready for the main performance.

The Brook and The Bluff finally entered the stage around 9:16 PM, and we were immediately captivated. They began their set with an energetic performance of their single “Werewolf”, an upbeat, yet emotional piece, covering themes of love and heartbreak after a long relationship. Inspired by the frontman, Joseph Settine’s, personal life, the performance was deep and passion-driven. The band performed other songs from their new album like “Can’t Figure It Out,” “Superbowl Sunday,” and “Get By.” Throughout the performance, each member was interacting with the audience, and everyone was dancing and enjoying themselves. Looking around, all we saw were smiling and peaceful faces as each audience member was captivated by the music and the energy of the band members themselves.

While the venue is on the smaller side, it almost made the performances feel more personal and as if the crowd was all together and were familiar with one another. The Brook and The Bluff sent an electrifying wave of energy through the crowd with their unique sound and indie-rock feel. The lyricism combined with the instrumentals AND vocals made the perfect sound that made it impossible not to dance and sing along.

Overall, the experience was incredible, and we all can’t wait to see what The Brook and the Bluff, and their amazing opener, Cassandra Coleman, do next.

Photo by: Ellie Walsh (’28)