It was only their third show in New York, but Jagwar Ma took the stage at Brooklyn’s freshly opened Rough Trade NYC (QRO venue review) on Monday, December 2nd, like seasoned pros. It’s been a good year for the Australian duo, following the release of debut album Howlin in June. It’s one of the year’s finest records, something reinforced by the band’s live show. Singer/guitarist Gabriel Winterfield 
and analog wizard Jono Ma are joined by bassist Jack Freeman on stage, and together, they harness Howlin’s immersive 
energy. From the first strains of album and set opener “What Love”, not even the more aged and jaded members of the audience can resist dancing along. From the psychedelic journey of “The Throw” to the urgent “Man I Need”, the trio makes it easy to forget about time and place in the best way possible. Howlin’s slow songs are notably absent from the live show, but no one needs a breather from such a good time. Simply put, seeing Jagwar Ma live is one of 2013’s most life-affirming experiences.
