Up and coming band Push Play performs Irving Plaza

This past Saturday Push Play performed at The Filmore Irving Plaza. The concert was a pre – release concert for their debut album Found. It was an evening consisting of fresh young musicians with potential who can definitely make an impact in mainstream music.

The night started off as crazed teenage girl fans filed in and screamed Push Play once inside of the venue prior to the show, drawing in a crowd of devoted fans ready to see the guys rock it out.

Before Push Play went on to perform there were two opening acts, one being Care Bears on Fire from Brooklyn, New York. They performed songs from their sophomore album Get Over It. They have a 60s inspired sound with modern day punk rock. Some of the girls’ accomplishments include performing on The David Letterman Show and Good Day in New York on Fox 5. 

After their performance, New Jersey native Phil Bensen performed with his acoustic guitar. Sporting Etnies sneakers, semi tight jeans and a tight  shirt with semi long blonde hair, he had girls and even some mothers screaming. In between songs Bensen said, “I love my fans, that’s my way of giving everyone a group hug.”

For his closing song Bensen covered Jackon Five’s “I Want You Back.” It turned out very well because he was able to make the cover his own and was able to get a crowd of young teenage girls and parents to sing along with him.

Before you knew it the backdrop for headliner Push Play was being raised. On the sign the body frames of each band member appeared and it read Push Play, causing fans to scream and go crazy.

The Long Island male quartet gave a superb performance and performed their latest songs off their debut album Found. Members included CJ Baran, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, drummer Derek Ries, Steve Scarola as lead guitarist  and Nick Deturris on bass guitar.

When they took the stage Baran screamed, “New York City! Are you ready to sing?”
The band gave a very engaging performance. They made sure they connected with the fans, especially when Baran would jump into the crowd and grab fans hands.

Even jumping in VIP and performing, they even covered Beastie Boys’ “You Gotta Fight For Your Right To Party.” Surprisingly, many of the young fans knew the lyrics to the song, but Baran made sure mention the name of the song and band for their rather young audience.

There were a variety of instruments used in their set besides the usual guitars, bass and drums combinations. The song “Where I Belong” consisted of an electronic keyboard, acoustic and bass guitars and a tum tum drum. The song paid homage to LA where the band was inspired to write the song.

They gave a superb encore with the songs “Starlight” and especially their latest hit single, “Midnight Romeo,” a song reminiscent of 90s R&B with a modern day pop twist. Shots of confetti exploded into the crowd as they finished their set, leaving fans satisfied after the encore.        

Push Play is a band that is speeding on with no plans to stop. They made sure to return the love of their fans, especially when Scarola said, “Thank you so much for the support, we thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.” With a full house of fans even before their release of Found, it shows that this band will be around for a long time if they keep up the good work. Their unique style is sure to hit mainstream. Look out Jonas Brothers; Push Play is on their way!