Crumb at Black Cat Nov. 20 review

Camryn DeLucaBrian Aronow played saxophone, Lila Ramani played guitar and Jesse Brotter played bass at the Black Cat on Nov. 20. / Photo by Camryn DeLucaBrooklyn-based Crumb performed a hypnotic set at the Black Cat in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 20. ...

Crumb at Black Cat Nov. 20 review
Camryn DeLuca

crumb1
Brian Aronow played saxophone, Lila Ramani played guitar and Jesse Brotter played bass at the Black Cat on Nov. 20. / Photo by Camryn DeLuca

Brooklyn-based Crumb performed a hypnotic set at the Black Cat in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 20.

The psychedelic rock and jazz band released their first full-length album, “Jinx” in June. They have two EPs between 2016 and 2017. In their 2017 EP “Locket,” the track “Locket” reached over 20 million streams on Spotify.

A dollar from each ticket sold went to two organizations - Partners In Health and the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project. PIH works to improve health care conditions for marginalized communities around the world. Arizona-based FIRRP provides free legal services to people facing the risk of deportation.

Shormey was the first opener. A steady line of people greeted the Virginia native who performed music from “Boogie Tape, Vol. 1,” which she produced in her bedroom. Shormey’s music is inspired by the ‘70s soul and disco.

crumb2
Shormey Adumuah performs for a packed crowd at the Black Cat in Washington, D.C.

Divino Niño followed up as the second opening act for the evening. Their soulful tunes had a similar sound to Crumb, making them a suitable opener for the band. They satisfied the appetite of voracious fans milling around the small venue. Singer and guitarist Camilo Medina donned a blue tie-dye shirt and a red beanie with an air of confidence.

crumb3
Divino Niño plays music from the new album, “Foam,” at the Black Cat in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 20.

Smoke poured from the stage when Crumb’s set began. Guitarist and singer Lila Ramani enchanted the crowd with her voice right off the bat when the band led with “Fall Down” off their latest album.

Large balloons were strewn across the stage and swaying to the melody. Ramani pushed one into the crowd while popping it, leading to a chunky glitter eruption. Brian Aronow strengthened the band’s psychedelic sound on the synthesizer. Ramani and bassist Jesse Brotter experimented with more distorted string work than their recorder tracks.

The audience completely lost it to “So Tired,” one of their last songs of the evening. They ascended into a funky groove while members of Divino Niño came back on stage dancing and shaking maracas.

crumb4
Lila Ramani plays guitar and Brian Aronow plays the synthesizer at the Black Cat on Nov. 20.