Photos by Emily Cohen
Words and photos by Emily Cohen
2023 has been a year of new music discovery for me, and a recent addition to my collection of bands I’m excited to share is The Moss. I stumbled upon them in a pretty classic way—while listening to the radio in the car. This wonderful band happened to be that month’s ‘New Music Discovery’ on 104.5, prompting me to immediately Shazam their song for later. Once I delved into more of their music at home, I was completely hooked. It wasn’t surprising to find them in my Top 5 bands on this year’s ‘Spotify Wrapped’ list.
Fast forward a few months, and The Moss is on tour, making a stop at The Foundry in Philadelphia. The band comprises four members in their early 20s from Salt Lake City: vocalist and guitarist Tyke James, guitarist Addison Sharp, drummer Willie Fowler, and bassist Caiden Jackson. Their stage presence was an absolute joy to behold. Initially, what I thought was merely holiday decoration—a set adorned with Christmas lights and garlands—turned out to be their constant set design, featuring lights and ‘moss,’ adding to the whimsy for the sold-out crowd of 500.
Onstage, their chemistry and stage presence were palpable. No one in the venue could resist grooving along to the music they dished out. Their music can be described as a blend of jam band, surfer rock, and indie folk, perfectly arranged with a mature, slightly scratchy, and delightfully exaggerated voice.
Each member sported their unique fashion style, mostly leaning towards a ’90s grunge vibe. Bassist Caiden went for a more beach-grunge look with wide-leg pants, a bandana on his head, and bare feet. Lead singer Tyke donned wide-leg jeans with a black sequined front and a pink crop top, proudly sharing, “Someone once slid into my DMs to give me a hard time about wearing this shirt, but I don’t give any weight to those comments. So, I packed it for this tour.”
Their banter and playful stage movements, best described as wiggly, as they grooved to their own music, had me giggling at many of their quick remarks and side comments to the crowd. Each member engaged in banter at some point, even the drummer grabbing the lead mic to share his own two cents.
Midway through the set, Tyke dimmed the lights, pausing for a moment. The rest of the band took a seat and a sip of water as Tyke delved into a cover of ‘All I Want’ by Kodaline, showcasing the range of his voice. Seamlessly, the song transitioned into one of their originals as the band rejoined on their instruments.
Towards the set’s end, Tyke ventured into the crowd, atop them, and eventually amidst them, all while maintaining the song’s rhythm, bringing immense joy to everyone present. I can’t wait to catch this band again and witness their ascent to bigger stages and venues because they’re undoubtedly destined for greater things.
Catch The Moss on tour here!
Check out The Moss here!
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