Where would you rather be on Halloween night than a Brooklyn venue, hearing live music while dancing in costume with your friends (or by yourself)? The answer is nowhere. Especially when the live music you’re seeing is Double Standard– an NYC-based girl band beginning their takeover of the indie rock scene.
The band consists of Lydia Eberling (lead singer), Siena Moran (vocals & guitar), Lauren Dinhofer (lead guitar), Zoë Arora (bass), and Meg Cournoyer (drums). Each member showcases vital attributes to the band, which further enhanced their stage presence. Their individual talent is evident as their personalities shine through each song.
While the band is just at the start of their career, they released their lead single, “Crush” just a week prior, along with merch and an eager support system. October 31st at Brooklyn Made marked just their second live performance. I must say, for only their second show, they filled the venue in a way most opening acts do not! It was not only impressive but also exciting to see the committed support for a new all-female band. Opening for Phoneboy alongside Divine Sweater, the theme of the show was “Night of the Living Prom.” Playing into the theme, the band dressed for a spookier prom, a zombie prom.
As the band walked out on stage in their bloody gowns and blazers, the energy in the room was visible and felt in many ways, through the jumping and shouting of the crowd and the uplifting support of close friends. Having a spot in the back of the audience really allows you to take your surroundings in and further analyze the energy the room has. Getting to see the stage in its entirety, each member settling into their positions, the room filled with fans and supporters alike. The crowd anticipated music and danced in silly costumes, seeing characters such as princesses, witches, vampires, you name it, making the feeling in the room noteworthy. A Halloween show is just special. Double Standard exceeded expectations for putting on a rocking show.
With the first two tracks reeling the audience in and prepping the crowd for the setlist, the band got more and more confident with each track. Their new single “Crush” was the third song played, which I’m sure was heard from outside of the venue. Clearly excited to play a song that’s out on all streaming platforms, their energy was lively and exuberant. The song displays a sense of yearning, which was felt through the live instrumentals. Punchy drums and a powerful electric guitar paired perfectly with Eberling’s bright vocals. The catchy chorus, “I think I’ve been waiting for you!” was shouted by the members and even some people in the audience who knew the lyrics, further delivering this honest and angsty feel to the track.
They performed a cover right after their lead single, and you really can’t go wrong with an ABBA song. Double Standard just continued to hype up the audience. Their rendition of “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” uplifted the crowd, and Arora’s sick bassline enticed us all. Their harmonies melded beautifully together as if they were made to sing together, transcending the room we were in. Moran’s vocals entering in on the fifth song stuck out to me, as they were mellifluous and compelling.
Their song “To Maine” featured thundering drums by Cournoyer following Eberling’s strong vocals that held the room spellbound. The song held an energy that was infectious to everybody in the crowd. The last two songs really showcased the band's collective chemistry and how well they work together on stage. “Butterfly Bomb” was melodically beautiful, keeping us all engaged with the sonic expression of the lyricism. Eberling’s emotional performance and the harmonies with Moran were incredibly powerful. Arora and Moran were in sync, shredding on the guitar and bass, rocking out with each other. Again, the emotion in the song was felt through the powerful instrumentals, performance, and angry screaming at the end of the song!
Their last song, “Bushwick Khole”, started off by asking the men in the audience to make some noise, and once they did, she screamed, “FUCK YOU GUYS!” All I gotta say is, it was awesome. Dinhofer’s riffs created a transcendental listening experience as the theatrics on stage continued. The band truly performed with sassy and quirky lyrics as they got on the floor of the stage and acted it all out. Their energetic movement and visible joy of performing were palpable all the way in the back.
To end my thoughts of the night, it’s a pleasure being able to see and write about an all-girl rock band in this small indie rock bubble we have. In an industry oversaturated with indie boy bands, it’s important to uplift and appreciate the female voices and talents that might escape us. Each song held a mesmerizing spirit, an eye-catching performance, and candor within the lyricism that made the show so enjoyable. I’m excited to experience the future of Double Standard and what they have in store.
Check out and follow Double Standard's socials for more music and show announcements and stream their recent single, Crush!
Written by Amy Kapel
Photographed by Elissa Mentesana