Gondola’s sold-out show on Taverne Tour’s opening night was a vivid testament to why they’re swiftly making waves. Their self-described “sad boy rock” delivered a delicate balancing act: intimate and lyrical yet undeniably edgy. The band’s pop-adjacent undertones mesh elegantly with a punk sensibility—reminiscent of old-school pioneers—creating a “pop rock meets punk rock” vibe that’s as intriguing as it is infectious. From the moment they took the stage under those bright blue lights, they projected a newfound energy and swagger that was miles away from the more subdued, “ghostlike” aesthetic they embraced at earlier performances.
Leading the charge was Lyle, whose vocals have a distinctive timbre that flirted with the post-punk grit of Ian Curtis. Yet there was an emotional openness to his delivery that gave it a more sensitive twist, reflecting the moody, introspective themes — “We mostly make moody sad shit about my feelings and stuff.” While Gondola clearly embraces the darker corners of heartbreak and sadness, they’ve found a way to let a beam of hope pierce through, making the live set a little bit uplifting.
Their setlist flowed seamlessly, beginning with more slow-burning, lyrical tracks before building up to raw, punk-driven anthems. Gondola pulled no punches in acknowledging their pop leanings, channeling catchy hooks and sing-along choruses that felt refreshingly honest rather than commercial. Despite the moody undertones, there was a clear sense that Gondola aimed to leave the audience on a hopeful note.
