Funk ‘n Waffles is MELTed Down

Veronica Frommer, the lead singer of Melt, addresses the sold out cowd at Funk’n Waffles.

New York City band Melt, and NONEWFRIENDS. put on an electrifying performance for a sold out crowd at Funk ’n Waffles.

By Jared Rowland / Photos from Jeanisha Mariah

“Energetic” is the only word to describe the crowd at Melt and NONEWFRIENDS. show on Thursday night. Fan’s waited eagerly at the downtown restaurant with drinks and waffles in hand waiting for the local Syracuse band and New York City natives.

In case you’re living under a rock, NONEWFRIENDS. is Syracuse’s latest R&B and Funk sensation consisting of lead singer Liz Stuart, guitarist Peter Groppe, Saxophonist/Guitarist Jackson Siporin, Bassist Jack Harrington, and Keyboardist Scott Greenblatt. The band has garnered mass popularity around campus with a variety of house parties and other local shows.The group opened their set with an unreleased track titled “Borderlines” which was followed up with yet another eccentric cover of “Best Friend” by Rex Orange County. “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry was also covered, with the crowd belting each word as the instrumentalists dazzled the audience with a variety of solos and harmonies on the hit song. The band played their usual songs such as, the funky “Already Gone” and “The Hook,” but the band also gave a debut performance of their emotional new track titled, “May.” NONEWFRIENDS. finished up their set with the jazzy single, “Personal.”

NONEWFRIENDS. from left to right: Guitarist Peter Groppe, lead singer Liz Stuart, and Saxophonist/Guitarist Jackson Siporin.

After the amazing opening act from NONEWFRIENDS., it was time for the headlining Melt to take the stage. Melt is an indie-soul band from New York formed in 2017, and they are coming off the release of their new EP, “West Side Highway.” They’re currently on their first tour of the east coast. Lead singer Veronica Frommer was backed up by Eric Gabriel on vocals & keyboard, Marlo Shankweiler on guitar, Josh Greenzeig on the drums, Lucas Saur on the bass, and Nick Sare on the saxophone. The band set the tone with their emotional song titled, “Oh Brother.” Frommer captivated the crowd with her energy, dancing  and stellar vocals. Devoted fans sang and cried out the lyrics, as the other audience members watched in awe at the exciting and highly talented group. 

Their set continued with a performance of the entire band’s discography, including hits such as, “Stupid in Love,” “Waves,” and the title track of their new EP, “West Side Highway.” As the band exited the stage, they were met with shouts for an encore performance of the band’s top single, “Sour Candy.” As expected, Melt returned and delivered a room shaking performance of the hit. After the band finished they were met with a resounding ovation as they truly left the stage for the final time.

The crowd engaging with their phone flashlights.

The environment at Funk ’n Waffles on Thursday was unlike any other I had seen thus far at a Syracuse show. The ambiance of the building was amazing, with the lit up stage, and massive bar right next to it. The sheer amount of instrumental talent was unmatched, with both bands bringing exciting, fun and musically fresh performances that left the crowd stunned. The audience danced the night away, and everyone left the venue with a smile on their face.