Review: Boys Like Girls headline New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom

Boys Like Girls. Photo Credit: Matty Vogel

On October 27, the rock group Boys Like Girls, fronted by Martin Johnson, headlined New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom.

This show was a part of their “Speaking Our Language” Tour. They went on to perform new songs from their latest studio offering “Sunday at Foxwoods,” which was released via Fearless Records.

They opened their set on a high note with the irresistible “Love Drunk” and it was followed by “Five Minutes to Midnight” and the melodically-stunning “Blood and Sugar,” which showcases a new yet addicting side to their artistry and sound.

It was neat to hear Johnson sing the popular Night Game tune “The Outfield.” Their set was highly eclectic and they interacted with the audience over the course of the night.

Equally impressive were their new songs “Language” and “Miracle,” which has a retro vibe to it; moreover, the crowd loved their throwback hits “Hero/Heroine,” “Thunder,” and “Heart Heart Heartbreak,” where they were clapping and singing along with them.

After their stirring piano-laden single “Cry,” they closed with the power-pop anthem “The Outside” and the up-tempo and liberating “The Great Escape,” which was sheer euphoria.

The only downside was that they didn’t get to perform their nonchalant “Brooklyn State of Mind” would have been a fitting tune for their Big Apple setlist.

Encore

For their encore, Johnson returned to the stage for a solo and haunting acoustic rendition of their signature tune “Two is Better Than One,” which had neat reverb on the chorus. The audience recited the lyrics verbatim and it was certainly the song that everybody wanted to hear.

The Verdict

Overall, the Boys Like Girls concert at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City was high-adrenaline and a great deal of fun.

Martin Johnson proved once again that he is a charismatic front-man; moreover, he and his bandmates never disappoint. Their live set garnered two thumbs up.

To learn more about Boys Like Girls, check out their official homepage, and follow them on Instagram.