The Moss @ Paradise Rock Club 4/25
Photography by Emily Tavernas
Review by Kyra Papillo
At a venue as intimate as Paradise Rock Club, you will always feel as if you were somehow a part of the show. There is something irreplaceable about the tight quarters of a small venue, the way the crowd trickles in slowly, buzzing with anticipation, and the way the stage sits close enough to make every glance and gesture feel real. The distance between the artist and audience becomes nonexistent, and that is when the show truly begins. On this particular Saturday night, that energy was already reaching a crescendo before a singular note was ever played. Everyone was brimming with excitement, and I was among them, naturally.
Before The Moss took the stage, Good Boy Daisy had the crowd in a chokehold. The Scottsdale, Arizona-born band brought an electrifying ‘90s grunge-inspired energy that set the tone for the night, filling the venue with a raw, guitar-driven intensity that had the crowd shocked. At the center of the band are identical twins Hallie and Dylinn Mayes. Hallie brings vocals to the band, whereas Dylinn anchors the sound with her production and guitar work. Together, the two carry a chemistry that is evident by their closeness. Forming in 2015, the band has spent the better part of a decade carving out its place in the scene, and with the recent debut of their new album “Blitz,” it is clear their presence in the scene is welcome.
Meeting originally in Oahu, Hawai’i, The Moss has carved out a sound entirely their own, built on surf-inspired riffs, reggae undertones, and indie-rock progressions that feel cohesive in their output. The band consists of Tyke James on vocals and guitar, drummer Willie Fowler, Tyler Harris on guitar, and Brierton Sharp on bass. Opening the evening, the band had a special occasion to celebrate. The previous night marked the release of their new album, “Big Blue Moon.” A collection of songs that have elements of earthy and organic tones, the record weaves in sounds of birds, bugs, and the quiet hum of nature. Its unique sound pulls listeners into a world of both intimacy and nostalgia.
From the moment The Moss took the stage, it was clear they commanded the room without ever demanding it. True to the understated coolness of their music, the band eased into their set with the same unhurried confidence that defines their sound. An early performance of “Your Way,” off the new album, demonstrated the band’s musical depth, with lead singer James incorporating a tambourine mid-song. While this seems like a small gesture, this motion drew the crowd closer and displayed the multi-tonal complexity of their artistry.
One of the evening’s most personal moments came from when the band played the title track, “Big Blue Moon.” However, for me, this was not a first listen. I had encountered the song in 2024 during a hometown show, when it was still a concept taking shape. Hearing it now, as the final version, brought a wave of nostalgia. It really is wonderful seeing a song grow from a concept to a fully-fledged album.
James kept the energy playful during the set, inviting the audience into a spirited game of “Simon Says,” which had the room laughing and engaged, perfectly primed for the music that came next. Shortly after, James brought his sister, Georgia James, to the stage to play violin alongside select tracks from the new album. The addition was unexpected and welcome. With this, her sound wove seamlessly into The Moss’s melodic landscape. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Tyke James simultaneously played a harmonica and a piano, layering the sounds that created a level of musical coordination that few artists can claim.
As the night wound down, “The Place That Makes Me Happy” sent the crowd into full swing. With a full audience that collaboratively swayed to the beat, it was clear what a live show should feel like. I have always felt that concerts are not something that should be merely watched, but instead enjoyed by everyone. The Moss clearly understands this careful dynamic. Closing out with “Grand Hoodoo,” the song that first introduced me to the band in 2024, felt like a full-circle moment. This song is upbeat and infectious, which created a palpable, whimsical feel within the audience.
Getting to witness the evolution of The Moss, from a hometown set in 2024 to a sold-out night at Boston’s Paradise Rock Club, has been one of the more exciting experiences of my concert-going life. I’ve always understood that a sound as good and as unique as theirs is never meant to stay small or muted, so this growth has and will always be a welcome one.
