Credit: Sophia Verma

WSPN’s Sophia Verma reviews Steeples and Satellites’ most recent concert in Brookline, MA.

On Sept. 30, Steeples and Satellites performed at Brookline Porchfest in Brookline, MA. Steeples and Satellites is a Boston-based band with one album titled “Songs About Trains” released on Spotify in 2022. They cover a wide spectrum of music spanning many genres that appeal to people of all ages. At Brookline Porchfest, situated in two adjacent driveways facing Coolidge Park, Steeples and Satellites created a comfortable neighborhood feel with the audience sitting on the sidewalk and standing against park fences. This was their first outdoor daytime concert, since they normally perform in venues later in the evening.

When I arrived at the house where they were playing, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation and laughter, making me even more excited than I already was. Although I was disappointed that the sixth member, singer Barbara Campbell, wasn’t there, the remaining five seamlessly stepped up by taking “Change of Season” and “One More Night” off of the setlist and having other singers fill her spot during duets. This was my second time seeing them perform, as I saw them back in February at The Lilypad in Cambridge. I’ve known four of the band members for ten years, since I met them on my transfer entry tour in fourth grade at the Meadowbrook School in Weston. Sarah Williamson, keyboardist and vocalist, taught me how to navigate the challenges of adolescence and be prepared for adulthood. The multitalented Matt Molyneux on acoustic guitar and vocals not only taught me cutting-edge technology, but also inspired my love for the arts as a director for the annual middle school plays. Kevin Christensen, on drums, was my fourth and fifth grade math tutor, and finally, Barbara Campbell was my after-school teacher for three years in fourth, fifth and sixth grade. On electric bass is Ed Newton, who has been friends with the band since college days. Rounding out the band is Tom Williamson on electric guitar and vocals. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing most of the band since third grade, and I’ve been a fan of Steeples and Satellites for six years, so it’s always fun getting to see and spend time with them.

Throughout the hour and a half that they performed, their energy was contagious and the multigenerational crowd seemed to be fully engaged. There were even some people who drove by and cheered from their cars. I was dancing and singing along to their songs the whole time, and getting to share it with my friends made my experience even more memorable.

The setlist was very well thought out, and each song had its own vibe and mood that resonated with the audience, something that I really enjoyed. For example, they covered a rock song, “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” by Tom Petty, whereas the song “Valerie” by The Zutons is in the rhythm and blues (R&B) genre. The band’s music sounded great live, and the blend of instruments created a fantastic sound, making me feel like I was at a rehearsal rather than a concert. One of my favorite interactions was when Matt saw me singing the lyrics to “AnnaLee’s Lullabye” and smiled at me. Another connection that stuck with me was when Sarah waved at me during “Midnights in Toledo” and looked directly at me during her cover of “Dearly Departed” by Shakey Graves, which elicited one of the biggest crowd reactions. These small gestures made the concert feel much more intimate and special to me.

Seeing this group in concert is like watching a family. In fact, two of the band members, Sarah and Tom Williamson, are siblings. The way that everyone collaborated and supported each other throughout the performance was so meaningful to me. The overall atmosphere was upbeat, lively and happy, and it I had a great time. I enjoyed all of their original songs, but my favorites also included their covers of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John and “Miami 2017 (I’ve Seen the Lights Go Out On Broadway)” by Billy Joel. I don’t normally listen to either of those artists, so it was cool to be introduced to their music styles through Steeples and Satellites.

Overall, I give Steeples and Satellites a 10/10 for their powerful and meaningful lyrics, songs and harmonies. Their website states that “there is something in each set for everyone,” and I couldn’t agree more. Whether you like rock, R&B, alternative, folk or pop music, you can find joy in every song and the band’s performance of it. I’m looking forward to seeing them a few more times before the year ends, and highly recommend catching their show if given the chance.