After a five-month pause, Chandler Matkins recently braved the snowy trek down from New York for his return to the stage at Pie Shop’s intimate upstairs venue. Joined by guests DJ TuffLuckKid and guitarist Fellaair, Chandler delivered a set that was both nostalgic and forward-looking, weaving together longtime favorites and brand-new material for a crowd eager to shake off the winter chill.
At Pie Shop on Jan. 17, the evening’s setlist spanned Chandler’s catalog — from the rarely-performed “Double Goose” to his freshly released “Titan of the Industry.” He played with dynamics throughout the night, opening with stripped-down acoustic renditions of “mister” and “I Like Your Face,” before ramping up the energy with hard-hitting tracks like “Big Body Brothers” and “Nothin’ To It.” The audience, clearly ready to move, packed in close — especially when Chandler twice stepped off the stage to sing in the middle of the crowd, blurring the line between performer and fan. At one point, the collective jumping was so intense, the entire floor pulsed with the beat.
When the final notes faded, the show’s spirit lingered as both Chandler and his audience spilled onto the back patio, grateful for a breath of cold air after the heat of the set. Ever gracious, Chandler lingered long after, chatting with fans and posing for photos, a fitting end to a night that felt less like a comeback and more like a reunion.
The following are more highlights from the evening. All images copyright and courtesy of Ally Ramsey Photography.
