What’s better on a chilly Monday in November than to jump and sweat to the bouncing brass sounds of Rubblebucket? Well, after Monday night at the Baltimore Soundstage I can unequivocally say there is nothing better.

Rubblebucket, the dance-pop-art ensemble that released their sixth full-length LP, Earth Worship, last year has been touring relentlessly over the past year. And that’s no small feat as their live show is deliriously energetic. Having only seen one part of the band, Alex Toth (Alexander F, Tōth) perform before, I knew a little of the energy that he brought to the stage, but I had no idea what a fun night was in store.

Starting the set, the band hit the stage followed by singer/saxophonist Kalmia Traver dressed in a veil and pointy hat as they went straight ahead into the title track from Earth Worship before one of my favorite songs, “Morning in the Sun.” As Kalmia and trumpet player Sean Smith bounded from side to side across the stage, the rest of the band kept that bouncing rhythm.

Seeing the band live you get this feeling of controlled chaos. It sounds so good but you get the feeling at any moment things could get crazy. Even the choreographed up and downs by Sean and Alex (vocals/trumpet) had a feel that it’s not so much what was planned but what the music is making them feel – moving to an infectious beat.

Some of their best work is on the newest record and translates really well to the stage. “Rain Rain Nature Rain” is a straight ahead groove that rolls along like the beginning of a road trip. The funky bass by Stephen Becker along with that driving beat by Rebecca Lasaponaro kept the crowd bopping up and down along with the rest of the band.

The official video for “Morning In The Sun” by Rubblebucket on YouTube:

Coming out to the stage in between songs, Alex and Sean came back out with flowers on their heads as “Ron and Ron” as Kalmia donned a headdress of flowers as the band played the song “Cherry Blossom.”

Going back behind the curtain, Alex came back out with a picture frame, as Kalmia and Sean “framed” him side by side to start “Geometry” and have the crowd sing along. But the real fun began when Kalmia reintroduced openers, Dante Elephante, who joined Rubblebucket dressed in costumes to dance around and then head out onto the dance floor, replete with instruments, to then return to the stage.

Even the encore seemed like an entirely new set as the band slowly came out with Stephen and Alex playing fuzzed out guitar and bass before the entire band joined in. Alex Toth then asked the crowd to pick between early tune,“Silly Fathers“ and “Party Like Your Heart Hurts” with the former receiving the biggest reaction.

After wrapping up with “Lemonade,” the band started emptying into the crowd again – over the barrier – and in a New Orleans-style parade that went around the whole dance floor until the band ended up by the side bar. Alex Toth hopped atop the bar to play trumpet with Kalmia and Sean on the floor while everyone in the audience crowded around dancing along.

The entire night was an unexpected joy and one that left everyone in the place better for the experience. Rubblebucket continue their tour through the end of November.

The setlist included:

Earth Worship
Morning in the Sun
Donna
Rain Rain Nature Rain
If U C My Enemies
Teardrops
Sweet Spot
Cherry Blossom
Melt Thru the Floors
Geometry
Cam out of a Lady
Carousel

Encore:
Sily Fathers
Lemonade
(Cherry Parade)

Here are more photos of Rubblebucket performing at the Baltimore Soundstage on Monday, November 13, 2023. All photos by David LaMason.