Sunday, May 15, 2011

New Sweden and Free Energy Tear Up the Arden Gild Hall

New Sweden @ Arden Gild Hall. Photo: Joe del Tufo
The idea behind bringing Philly rock gods Free Energy to the Arden Gild Hall was simple: to draw a younger crowd to the breezy venue, which usually boasts a more solidly mature audience. And, of course, a local band kicking off the night was a must. Enter New Sweden, easily one of the most buzzed-about bands in Delaware right now. On every level, this XPN-sponsored show was a success, from the generationally diverse crowd to the choice of bands to the enthusiasm that filled the room through the night.

If you haven't seen New Sweden yet -- and I hadn't -- they are a band that has earned the hype. They play folky, foot-stomping rock, sometimes light and airy, sometimes hard, with viola, banjo, mandolin, pump organ and glockenspiel added to the traditional rock instruments. It's sort of like Burl Ives meets Cowpunk. Very cool. New Sweden is the kind of band you can sing along with, even if it's your first time seeing them. I can see why they've got the passionate following they have -- they put on a great show.

Free Energy @ Arden Gild Hall. Photo: Joe del Tufo

While we at DE Arts Info always focus on Delaware artists, headliners Free Energy deserve mention. I'll frame it like this: Delaware, and Arden in particular, should be very proud to have hosted this band and this show. Free Energy, whose sound can be described as modern "70s rock" -- think Sweet meets Teenage Head meets the Stooges meets the Stones in the 21st Century -- had the entire room dancing through the night. Not moving, but full on dancing, from the kids to the seniors, and that's not something you see every day.

New Sweden will be playing NON-COMM at World Cafe Live at The Queen on Friday, May 20; on June 4, they will perform at the Baby Grand; they'll return to The Queen to headline on July 29th (see their band page for full schedule and information on their upcoming album). Free Energy will be touring the US this summer; their album, "Stuck on Nothing" is available on iTunes and Amazon.

3 comments:

  1. Ron OzerMay 15, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Thanks for the great review! New Sweden also headlines the Shady Grove Fest, all day event behind Gild Hall on Saturday June 11.

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  2. WilmingtonicJune 1, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    Oh, but it's a viola in New Sweden - much more interesting than one of those boring, dime-a-dozen violins. I have no idea how the violist in New Sweden feels (never met her), but most violists hate being mistaken for violinists.
    (I'm being a little facetious, but it's true!).

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  3. Marsh LisaApril 15, 2025 at 1:38 PM

    What an electrifying performance recap! New Sweden and Free Energy sound like they brought incredible energy to the Arden Gild Hall. It’s always inspiring to see creative ventures thrive. As someone involved in LLC creation services, I often work with musicians and artists looking to legitimize their work and protect their brand. Forming an LLC gives performers the structure they need to grow professionally. Your post captures the passion behind the music—perfect motivation for turning talent into a business!

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