REVIEW: Ritt Momney @ ONCE Ballroom 9/22

By Maddie Lamothe

ONCE Ballroom, located Somerville, MA, is an old dance hall turned concert venue. It’s spacious, classy, and air conditioned. With hints of emerging art here and there, this place set the stage for a night of pure enjoyment.

Three bands performed as supporting acts for Ritt Momney. First up was Boston native band Raavi and the Houseplants, all of whom are current Berklee College of Music students. Consisting of four main members (plus an added guitarist for this night’s gig), it’s obvious that every member of the band is a master of their instrument. Highlights of their setlist included “Nora” and “Shoulder.”

Next was Shane T., a two-man band consisting of guitar, bass, and a Roland sampler. We actually got to say hello to Shane T. after the show — he’s a super down to earth guy who is wildly passionate about the music he is making. Highlights of his set included “Simple Man” and “Wasting Time.”

Last of the openers was Bowling Shoes, another Boston native band. They engaged and excited the audience, inviting them to dance and sing along throughout their set. It was clear they had a loyal Allston following, and it was easy to understand why after they brought the hype with hits like “My Cup” and “Larry.”

And of course, the headliner: Ritt Momney. Their setlist included staples like ‘Paper News,” “(If) The Book Doesn’t Sell” and “Pollution/Disclaimer.” The band’s awkward, bedroom pop charm came to life when the lead singer, Jack Rutter, accidentally choked on some free-flying dust mid-song. It led to a very wholesome interaction between the band members, who quickly tossed along a water and picked up right where they left off.

While Jack Rutter is 19, his bandmates are all under 18, a fact which audibly shocked most of the audience. Ritt Momney’s talents feel lightyears beyond most, a fact which was further electrified onstage. They each gave heartfelt performances without even blinking an eye—this was natural for them. The band also performed a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “In My Time of Dying” which, by the end of the song, had the collective crowd’s jaw dropped. They also covered Frank Ocean’s “Pink Matter,” playing it in their own personal style.

While it was certainly not a night filled with fancy concert lighting and elaborate stage theatrics, it was clear that the night was about one thing: the music. Each band complimented and gushed over the last, enjoying both the audience’s presence and their time onstage. This concert has set the precedent for an army of new, talented musicians, some of whom are even Boston locals.