Concert review by Beau Croxton, all photos by Gannon Padgett

WITCH backstage at Elsewhere in Brooklyn. Portrait by Gannon Padgett

In a promo video for their show at Elsewhere in Brooklyn, WITCH were asked about what people can expect at the show that night. Frontman “Jagari” Chanda said “We are preaching love, we are preaching peace– we are preaching oneness”. If you’ve seen this recently-revived 1970s “Zamrock” band in concert before, you know that this is clearly their gospel.

Not only is their live show full of wonder and good vibes– but the band has a truly amazing backstory. Be sure to check out our interview with their frontman Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda– it also gives a background on the band’s incredible story and their 2020’s revival.

Occult was there to catch all the magic from WITCH (…aka We Intend To Cause Havoc) and Evolfo, on September 19th at Elsewhere, in Brooklyn— and as expected, it was a lovely time.

EVOLFO

Local Brooklyn band Evolfo played a fantastic set before WITCH– and I’m no stranger to their awesome blend of soulful psych and garage rock, as this is my third time seeing them. They opened their set with a country-tinged psych ballad, featuring 12-string guitar and sweet vocal harmonies. It didn’t take much time for the band to build the track into a raving psych-rock jam, with 60s organs, guitars and Ronnie Lanzilotta's basslines all interweaving.

The second song revolved around a kraut-groove and a deep organ sound, and it was highlighted by weeping guitar leads. “The Changer” was pumping with a 60s proto-punk momentum that really got folks moving. “Hellow” ripped an even quicker tempo, and it doubled down on the proto punk energy.

The band is fantastic- they weave in and out of psych, proto-punk and soul sounds that feel akin to 13th Floor Elevators or Shannon & The Clams, with a small dash of Motown. It was straight fun too– they also had a silly rocker with lyrics like "I was bitten by a police-man”.

Lead singer Matt Gibbs expressed his gratitude for being able to open up for the legendary WITCH numerous times– as he’s a major fan of the group.

Evolfo at Elsewhere by Gannon Padgett

WITCH

The band’s instrumentalists came out without their singer and set the groove. Their ecstatic frontman Jagari Chanda entered the stage a minute or two behind the band to immense applause– it was clear this crowd knows the star power of his very cheerful stage presence.

Opener “Thou Shalt Not Cry” found Jagari Chanda leaning into a very impassioned performance, one that let the audience know the vibrance of his spirit right out of the gate. Intricate drums and rhythms got the crowd moving properly, with his band members decked out in the infamous “WITCH Hats”. “Living in the Past” was another fantastic throwback- a soulful, Zamrock slow burner.

Being the fantastic entertainer he is, Jagari had plenty of jokes for the crowd as well. Enchanted by the audience, Jagari said “Next time I need to come to Brooklyn, I will say “No I don’t need a VISA– I have cousins in Brooklyn.”

WITCH at Elsewhere by Gannon Padgett

“Kamsale” from SOGOLO got the crowd revved up with immense energy and killer backing vocals. After the track finished, Jagari had more jokes– he said ““That’s off the new record, SOGOLO. Before you leave make sure you buy one, so I don’t have to swim home”

“Introduction” got the whole place dancing and cheering—- it’s truly a theme song for WITCH, with its retro organ and funky beats. Jagari used it as an opportunity to introduce every single band member, including himself and changed the lyrics to fit each member in an endearing way. By this moment the crowd understood the assignment and the whole place was really moving.

Another highlight was “Waile”, from 2023’s Zango , with its persistent keys and bursts of fuzzy electric guitar. A friend and I were discussing how wild it is that WITCH’s new material is just as excellent as their old records– “Waile” is largely one of my favorite tunes.

In another endearing moment— Frontman Jagari invited two fans on stage to play cowbell on “Toloka”, one of which was wearing a WITCH T shirt, and was having a hard time comprehending the excitement of the fact that he was invited on stage. Jagari engaged in fun, wholesome, percussion moments with the fans– and the band closed the set with a fantastic rendition of “Evil Woman”.

WITCH at Elsewhere by Gannon Padgett

ENCORE

For their encore– WITCH launched into one of their most iconic songs– “Lazy Bones“. It's a cheerful number with incredibly fun backing vocals– the crowd got to feel the band’s wholesome warmth and cheer one last time. The band left stage directly to go to the merch table, where they stayed long after the set to autograph posters and take pictures with their adoring fans, who were grinning ear to ear.

It’s truly amazing to see Jagari– an African “Zamrock” rockstar of the 1970s – in his newly revived band. He is rocking out and living his best life with WITCH, well into his 70’s along with one of the OG WITCH members— Patrick. There is so much heart, soul and infectious cheer with every WITCH performance, and it really feels like a celebration of pure fun and happiness every time the group takes the stage– we can’t recommend seeing them enough and we know we will be at the next show in NYC.

Check out the setlist and both galleries of WITCH and Evolfo by Gannon Padgett, below!

All photos of WITCH & Evolfo by Gannon Padgett

( @gannonpadgett)