LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: Chromeo in New York, NY (12.05.25)
To say I like Chromeo is an understatement. This is a band that has been part of my life since Montreal, introduced to me by a close friend when I first moved there. What has always amazed me is how they keep getting better. Album after album, the production grows sharper, the textures get richer, the ideas more playful. When you revisit their early records, you hear the bones of what they were building, but now they are fully formed musicians with a sound that belongs entirely to them.
So when they announced a tour performing Fancy Footwork front to back, two nights in every city, there was no chance I was sitting this out. The closest stop was New York, and I had to be there. For the show, for the photography, and honestly for the part of me that fell in love with Chromeo years ago. I was lucky to be invited by Dave to shoot the night, which made the whole thing even more meaningful.
The moment I walked in, the demographic made complete sense. People in their 30s and early 40s, stylish as hell, dressed like the cool kids from every high school. Chrome jackets, glitter, metallics, people showing up excited and ready. Webster Hall was completely packed and buzzing even before the lights dimmed.
They opened with “Tenderoni,” which for me was the real emotional jolt. It was one of the first Chromeo songs I ever heard, and it immediately made me think of Hall and Oates, who clearly inspired them. Hearing it live brought me right back to that moment of discovering them in Montreal. They absolutely nailed it. Dave on guitar was razor sharp and glowing under the lights, and P Thugg’s talkbox tone was perfect.
From there everyone knew what was coming. When “Fancy Footwork” dropped, the room exploded. It was the loudest the crowd had been all night. Every word was shouted back, everyone jumping and smiling and dancing like they were back in college or their first apartment. Dave let the crowd take certain lines, smiling the entire time on that chrome guitar. Between songs he talked about their early days in Williamsburg and how much the city has changed. He mentioned taking Latin classes back then and even gave a shoutout to some of his former English students who were apparently in the crowd. It was funny, personal and classic Dave.
They moved into “Bonafied Lovin” and the place turned into a groove factory. Dave was moving all over the stage, switching between vocals and guitar in a way that seemed effortless. The energy stayed high even as they slowed things slightly for “My Girl Is Calling Me a Liar.” People were swaying and shouting the chorus with big smiles on their faces.
“Outta Sight” came right after and it was one of the highlights. The whole thing feels like an 80s futuristic dream. Synths sparkling, bass popping, those crisp drum machine hits, and the kind of melody that is impossible not to move to. Photographing during this was hard because I wanted to dance too. I kept singing along under my breath. I think at one point Dave may have seen me and smiled but maybe that was all in my head.
The nostalgia kept rolling when they played “Mama’s Boy,” which so many people discovered through the film of the same name. Before they started it, Dave actually stopped P Thugg and said no no no that is not how we start it. They reset and the crowd loved it. It was a funny, sweet moment that showed how comfortable they are on stage. Everyone screamed the chorus like it was 2007 again.
They followed it with “Call Me Up,” another classic. Then came one of my personal favorites “Waiting for You.” This song shimmers live. The synths feel warm, Dave’s voice sits right in that emotional pocket, and he and P bounce off each other in a way that only comes from decades of music together. Other reviewers talk about their chemistry and it is absolutely real when you see it in person.
They closed the album run with 100 percent and took a brief exit before returning for the second set, which felt like a full show on its own. They came back with some of the more recent hits and favorites from the last few tours. Starting with “You are so Gangsta” was a perfect move. That early era Chromeo funk hit the crowd immediately.
Then came “Night by Night” and the room just lost it again. I moved into the crowd for a moment since Dave did his classic move, coming right down toward the rails and playing his guitar in the middle of everyone singing around him. It was electric. “Sexy Socialite” was unexpectedly one of the loudest singalongs of the night. People were shouting the hook like it belonged to them. But the moment that really stole the encore was “Old 45s.”
This song feels like stepping into an old movie. Warm, romantic, nostalgic, smooth in a way that reminds you of your grandparents records. It has that timeless charm and hearing it live made it feel even more cinematic. Couples were holding each other. People had their eyes closed. It was one of those rare moments where a room full of strangers feels completely connected.
At that point I had to head back because I had an early morning wedding up in the White Mountains. It was a quick trip but one I will never forget. Chromeo delivered a night that was stylish, emotional, fun and everything I love about live music. I cannot wait for the next chance to see them, photograph them and sing every word right back at the stage.
Photos – Chromeo at Webster Hall in New York, NY on Decemeber 5th:
