The Brook & The Bluff Howl Through St. Paul on the Werewolf Tour
On Saturday night, Amsterdam Bar & Hall in St. Paul became a warm, humming den for indie‑pop fans as The Brook & The Bluff rolled into town on their Werewolf tour, celebrating the release of their latest album, Werewolf. With an enthusiastic crowd packed shoulder‑to‑shoulder, the Birmingham‑based band delivered an intimate and electrifying set. The show was equal parts polished musicianship and heartfelt vulnerability.
The night kicked off with opener Ethan Tasch, whose laid‑back indie folk style eased the room into the evening. Armed with soft melodies, gentle grooves, and a quietly confident presence, Tasch set an inviting tone that encouraged listeners to lean in rather than shout over the music. His songs are steeped in warmth and introspection, drawing a respectful attentiveness from the crowd and priming the room for what was to come.
When The Brook & The Bluff finally took the stage, the crowd was ready. The band has a way of sounding effortlessly cohesive, blending soulful vocals, crisp guitar lines, and smooth rhythms into an unmistakable signature sound. Touring behind Werewolf, the group leaned heavily into their newest material, proving that the album’s emotional depth translates powerfully in a live setting. Although they of course sprinkled in some of their older, popular songs, such as Halfway Up and Shelby.
Frontman Joseph Settine’s vocals were a standout throughout the night. He was clear, expressive, and emotionally charged. Whether soaring over full‑band arrangements or pulling things back for quieter moments, his voice anchored the performance with sincerity. The band’s chemistry was evident, with each member locking into the groove effortlessly, creating a sound that felt tight and confident.
The setlist flowed seamlessly between newer tracks and older fan favorites, rewarding longtime listeners while welcoming newcomers into the fold. There was a palpable connection between band and audience, with sing‑along moments breaking out organically and smiles exchanged from stage to floor. Rather than relying on flashy spectacle, The Brook & The Bluff let the songs and the feelings behind them do the heavy lifting.
Amsterdam Bar & Hall proved to be an ideal setting for the show. Its cozy atmosphere amplified the emotion of the music, making even the most expansive songs feel personal. At times, it felt less like a concert and more like a shared experience, a room full of strangers briefly connected by melody and meaning.
The Brook & The Bluff left the St. Paul crowd howling for more, having delivered a performance that was as thoughtful as it was energizing. For fans old and new alike, Saturday’s show was a reminder of the unique power of live music when it’s played with honesty, heart, and a sense of purpose.
