Distracted

BY DESIREA CORBETT

Wednesday night at the Bowery Ballroom, the Backfires brought a raw, electrifying energy to the stage, and made it clear that they’re a force to be reckoned with in the Indie rock scene. The NYC-based band, whose roots stretch across both sides of the Atlantic, seem to have found their February groove—this is their third year bringing their unique blend of punchy indie rock to the Big Apple on a chilly Wednesday night. As frontman Alex Gomes wryly pointed out, they first played the city at Mercury Lounge on a February Wednesday in 2022, followed by a set at Baby’s All Right again on a February Wednesday 2023, and now, in 2025, they’ve returned to set the Bowery ablaze again. And despite the freezing temperatures outside, the crowd was anything but cold; dancing, singing, and living for every beat.

The crowd was youthful and energetic, an eclectic mix of indie kids buzzing with excitement. I overheard a pair of high schoolers chatting about knowing the drummer and ran into a few more fans who knew members of the opening act, Foxtide. The indie rock revival is alive and well, and this night was a testament to how a whole new generation is embracing the genre with open arms. I even spotted a couple of kids wearing Magicarp Pokémon hats, waving glow sticks—a quirky yet fitting touch to the evening’s energy.

Speaking of energy, San Diego’s Foxtide kicked things off with an impressive opening set that blended indie rock and surf vibes with the kind of stage presence that made them feel like seasoned veterans, despite this being their NYC debut. They certainly garnered a loyal following, and I’m already looking forward to hearing more from them.

But when the Backfires took the stage, it was clear who the night belonged to. Alex Gomes—tall, commanding—stood out in his sailor pants and a bold red shirt emblazoned with an Uncle Sam graphic that read, “Join the Army, travel to exotic, distant lands; meet exciting, unusual people and kill them.” The shirt’s fiery red matched brilliantly with lead guitarist Harry Ruprecht’s gleaming red guitar. Together with bassist Matt Walter and drummer Dylan Spiro, they exuded confidence and charisma that only enhanced their performance.

Fresh off the release of their debut album This Is Not an Exit, the Backfires had the crowd in the palm of their hands. It’s not every day you hear an audience singing along to an album’s tracks just days after its release, but the Backfires’ infectious tunes—punchy, energetic, and unrelenting—had the crowd roaring along. Opening with “Brighter Lights,” they quickly segued into “Replace It All,” where Harry delivered a scorching guitar solo, stepping to the front of the stage like a true rock star. Moments like these, where both Harry and Alex came forward to kneel at fan level, made for a thrilling, immersive experience that put the audience front and center in the show.

As the night progressed, the energy surged with fan favorites like “Joyride,” a track about cruising through the East Village that seemed tailor-made for a performance at the Bowery Ballroom, which sits right in the heart of the neighborhood. The crowd went wild, and you could feel the sense of community and connection that indie rock fosters so effortlessly.

They kept the momentum going with songs like “Song 55,” “Turn Out the Lights,” and “I Know You Know,” each track building on the last with impassioned performances that left everyone drenched in sweat. But it was toward the end of the set that the Backfires really showed their emotional range. On “Dressed for a Funeral,” they stripped the arrangements down, slowing the last verse into a chant-like singalong, with fans raising their hands and clapping in unison. The title track “This is Not an Exit” was also performed with such emotion that really showcased the band’s range.

Choosing a favorite Backfires song is nearly impossible—there are so many infectious tracks that get under your skin. But one thing’s for sure: This Is Not an Exit is one of those rare albums you can listen to from start to finish without skipping a beat. From the moment I unwrapped the red vinyl, it’s been a staple on my turntable, and it’s clear I’m not alone in my obsession. The aching muscles the next day from dancing all night? Totally worth it. The entire crowd felt the same—their energy was contagious, and by the end of the night, it was impossible to deny: the Backfires are destined for greatness, and they know how to make you feel every moment of it.