LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: Stick Figure, SOJA, Little Stranger in Mansfield, MA (08.03.24)
On another hot summer day in Mansfield, Stick Figure (a band that originated in Duxbury, MA) was on their way to headline perhaps their biggest hometown gig yet. They usually play the Levitate Music Festival in Marshfield, MA, every summer (2021 excluded due to the smaller festival size), but this year, they decided to play only the Xfinity Center in Mansfield with SOJA and Little Stranger in tow. A band known for their relaxed reggae vibe and front man Scott Woodruff’s tour dog Cocoa (who has quite a large fan base of her own), this show would possibly break their record for the largest crowd playing in their home state.
Opening the night was Little Stranger, a rap/reggae duo originally from Philadelphia. Longtime musical friends John and Kevin Shields (oddly enough unrelated), this group have been breaking down musical borders and creating fresh new vibes on the white boy reggae scene. As they describe themselves, they are “stylistically reminiscent of Gorillaz and Odelay-era Beck” and “delivers a fresh take on melodic hip-hop. Every track brings the uniqueness and strangeness that their name implies.” Highlights of their set include “Coffee and Joint”, which has a fun laid back vibe and showcases the duo’s versatility and ability to seamlessly transition between different moods and tempos. It’s also a bit of an ear worm. “Kama Sumatra” brings a fresh burst of silly energy to the stage, which is a track from their latest album Sat Around Trippin’, which was released this summer and is very much worth picking up. Their last song “Red Rover” has also become a staple in their sets, bringing an upbeat tempo and a catchy chorus, leaving the audience revved up for the night ahead.
SOJA (an acronym of Soldiers of Jah Army) was next to take the stage. A reggae band formed in 1997 originally hailing from Arlington, VA – They have been known to take the emotional side of this genre. They definitely have a talent for delivering socially conscious messages with a musical style that is both accessible and compelling. Highlights in the set include “Your Song” followed, offering a personal touch with its heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody. The track’s emotional depth was evident, and the audience responded with a collective sense of connection. And a favorite of mine, “Something to Believe In” followed, delivering a message of hope and inspiration as well as a much welcomed collaboration with Scott Woodruff (and of course Cocoa). The track’s uplifting melody and empowering lyrics resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing SOJA’s role as purveyors of positive and motivational music. Milhalli, co-founding guitarist of the band Twiddle but also a big name in music in his own right, was also a fun addition in a song or 2. The set drew to a close with “Sorry,” a song that combined heartfelt lyrics with a moving melody.
Finally it was time for the home town heroes to light up the stage, literally and figuratively. Drawing a packed house of almost 20,000 fans, Stick Figure delivered a grandiose set of old and new songs that radiated good vibes from start to finish. The opening notes of “Moon Palace” set the tone for what would be an evening of musical bliss. The band’s signature sound, characterized by its smooth, soothing reggae grooves, was in full effect, effortlessly transitioning into “Way of Life” and “Sound System,” which had the audience immediately on their feet, heads bobbing, hands high in the air.
The setlist was a well-curated journey through Stick Figure’s discography, showcasing their ability to mix introspective tunes with high-energy anthems. “Paradise” and “Above the Storm” demonstrated the band’s skill in creating an immersive atmosphere, blending ethereal melodies with grounded rhythms. “All for You” and “In This Love” followed, with their heartfelt lyrics resonating deeply with the crowd. The energy in the crowd was palpable, and it was clear that Stick Figure had them completely captivated. This momentum continued with “Smiles on Faces” and “Jungle,” two tracks that exemplified the band’s knack for uplifting, infectious melodies. The unexpected Phish cover of “First Tube” was a delightful surprise, showing Stick Figure’s versatility and willingness to take risks. It was a refreshing moment that brought a new dimension to their set, bridging the gap between genres with impressive flair.
As the night progressed, Stick Figure welcomed special guests TJ O’Neill and SOJA, elevating the show to new heights. O’Neill joined for a powerful rendition of “Angels Above Me” and “Railroad Shelter,” bringing a fresh energy and collaborative spirit to the stage. The synergy between O’Neill and Stick Figure was palpable, creating moments of genuine musical magic. SOJA’s appearance on “Smokin’ Love” further amplified the high-energy atmosphere, with their combined presence turning the performance into a truly dynamic experience. Milhali and Little Stranger would make guest appearances as well, adding to the already high energy of the show. The encore featured a powerful sequence of tracks, starting with “Easy Runaway” and “Fire on the Horizon,” which set the stage for a climactic finale. “World on Fire” and “Firestorm” concluded the night with a spectacular display of shooting flames and an otherworldly laser show. I thought at first the fire show reminded me of marijuana leaves, but when I counted up the streams it made 12, which I presume is the amount of years they’ve officially been together as a band. Scott has been releasing music since 2006 but never formally put together his live touring band until the release of “Burial Ground” in 2012.
By the end of the night, Stick Figure put on a hometown throwdown for the ages. Clearly, they’ve come a long way since their early days in Duxbury and playing at Levitate Music Fest. They’ve officially carved out a household name for themselves, consistently breaking into the top ten on the national reggae charts. Their shows have become less of a performance and more of an experience, one to be witnessed and embraced every summer from here on out.
Photos – Stick Figure, SOJA, Little Stranger at Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA on August 3rd:
