GALLERY + REVIEW: Elephant Gym - Boston, MA (9/24/24)

Sep 25

Elephant Gym (w/ Mei Semones)
The Sinclair - Boston, MA - September 24th, 2024
Photos & words by Nathan (@nathaninboston)

On September 24, 2024, The Sinclair in Cambridge witnessed a rare sight: a fully packed house with fans eagerly waiting outside hours before doors opened. The occasion? A performance by Taiwanese math rock band Elephant Gym, celebrating their 10th anniversary tour.

The night began with a captivating performance by Mei Semones. Accompanied by a violinist, violist, bassist, and drummer, Semones showcased impressive technical skills on the guitar. Their subdued and chill set, primarily featuring new songs from their upcoming debut album, set a perfect tone for the evening.

As the main act took the stage, it became clear why The Sinclair was bursting at the seams. Elephant Gym, while operating within the often challenging-to-access math rock genre, demonstrated why they've gained such a devoted following over the past decade. The three-piece band defied the expectations of the math rock genre, creating a remarkably rich and layered sound that blended elements of jazz, post-rock, and electronic music. Lead singer and bassist KT Chang's unique dual role was a highlight, with many songs featuring the bass guitar in an unconventional lead capacity.

Despite ten years in the industry, Elephant Gym's performance was anything but stale. Their stage presence was electric, showcasing a band that has only grown stronger and more innovative with time. This was particularly evident during one of the night's standout moments: KT Chang's solo piano performance. Stepping away from her bass, Chang delivered a mesmerizing piece that seamlessly integrated classical influences into the band's distinctive style.

Elephant Gym's performance at The Sinclair was a testament to their growth as artists and their ability to captivate an audience. As they mark their 10th anniversary performing, it's clear that this Taiwanese math rock outfit is not just maintaining their momentum— they're accelerating. For fans of intricate, genre-blending music, Elephant Gym's show was a masterclass in musical creativity and technical prowess, promising even greater things to come in the future.