"Moonrise" Was Worth the Wait

When a song feels like a classic the day it’s released, you’ve probably done something right.

That was the feeling inside Pianos on July 16, as NYC four-piece Why Another celebrated the release of their newest single, “Moonrise”, released at midnight on July 17. Blending indie and alternative rock with the distinct guitar-driven sound of the early 2000s, the band delivered a set that felt completely at home in the intimate Lower East Side venue.

Opening the evening were Friendy and Rabbit Ambush, two bands that couldn’t have fit the bill any better. Both delivered impressive sets, creating the perfect lead-in for Why Another’s headlining performance.

Pianos has a way of making shows feel personal, and it worked in Why Another’s favor all night. Red and orange lights bathed the room while people crowded around the stage, dancing and clapping along to every song. Even those gathered near the bar found themselves turning their attention toward the band as the room continued to fill.

Frontman Adi Malka stood out immediately. Taking on both lead vocals and drums isn’t an easy role to fill, but he made it look effortless all night long. His energy never let up, and his charismatic anecdotes carried naturally from one song to the next.

Guitarist Eduardo Kirschbaum looked like he was having the time of his life on stage, and that energy became infectious for every member of the band. Jordan Kerr and Yong Yoon Kim matched that enthusiasm, making it obvious how comfortable the four musicians are performing together.

Fan favorites “Hold On Tight” and “Abundance” earned some of the loudest applause of the night and reminded everyone why the band is becoming a staple in New York City’s indie scene.

The highlight of the night was “Moonrise.”

It’s impossible not to hear inspiration pulled from Arctic Monkeys and other alternative rock bands, but “Moonrise” still feels like a Why Another song from beginning to end. The unmistakable guitar riff works its way through the song so naturally that it feels woven into Malka’s haunting, silky vocals. “Moonrise” encapsulates Why Another perfectly. It already carries the feeling of a track that’s been around forever, which is exactly what makes it so memorable.

Photos and review by Bek Allegretti