Moon Walker with Nordista Freeze and Little Man deliver an Unforgettable Experience
Review & Photos by Ben McKone
Little Man
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The Turf Club in St. Paul was ablaze with energy on the night of November 11, 2023, as it played host to an electrifying rock concert featuring three dynamic acts – Little Man, Nordista Freeze, and Moon Walker. The eclectic lineup promised a night of diverse sounds, and the artists delivered an unforgettable experience for the enthusiastic crowd.
Kicking off the night was Little Man, a regional favorite known for their infectious blend of glam rock, psychedelic vibes, and a message of “zen and love”. Little Man are a longtime Midwest stalwart, having been active for nearly a quarter-century, and have a new album - their sixth - just released. Unapologetically rooted in the past, The trio commanded the stage with a confidence that immediately drew the audience in. Lead singer and guitarist Chris Perricelli's seemed to have stepped straight out of the ‘70’s glam scene, with a fantastic stage outfit of leather pants, open paisley shirt and thick fur coat. While the band’s name may be a tongue-in-cheek reference to Perricelli’s short stature, there is nothing little about his stage presence. His vocals soared over the crowd, blending seamlessly with the intricate guitar work and pulsating rhythm section. Of particular note was bassist Brian Herb’s unique instrument - a bass guitar shaped like a spaceship from a 1950’s television show. As Perricelli invited the audience to “go to the stars with us,” Herb brandished his instrument, as if to say it was the perfect vehicle to get us there. Setting the tone for the rest of the evening, all three musicians seemed to be having a wonderful time on stage. The crowd, small at first, built steadily as the set went on, the audience feeding off of the energy from the stage. The setlist was a mix of fan favorites and new tracks, showcasing the band's evolution while staying true to their signature sound. The energy was palpable, setting the perfect tone for the rest of the evening.
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Self-described “Nashville Psych-Pop boi” Nordista Freeze and his band took the stage next, bringing a different flavor to the night with their unique fusion of indie pop and psychedelic folk. While the music was great, what really stood out was the ferocious energy and wild stage presence of frontman Nordista Freeze. Taking the stage in JNCOs and a sheer black shirt, he very quickly lost both his shirt and boots as he gyrated wildly around the stage, swinging two tambourines and a cowbell like melee weapons, before launching himself off the stage for the first of many trips throughout the audience. First appearing a little put off by Freeze’s manic behavior, he quickly won over the audience with his infectious passion and enthusiasm. “Tonight feels great!” he shouted with a broad grin. “This feels like why we play music!”. Despite his aerobic feats onstage, Freeze somehow never became too out of breath to sing, nor to keep up his stage banter, particularly with one audience member who he claimed was his long-lost father. As for the rest of the band, they were considerably calmer, although no less enthusiastic. They seemed to be simply along for the ride as much as the crowd.
While Freeze’s stage antics are often associated with more confrontational music like punk and extreme metal, Nordista Freeze’s music and stage presence stayed upbeat and welcoming throughout. Freeze’s intention was not to scare or confront anyone; he simply wanted the audience to feel the music with the same passion. The band's sonic palette was diverse, ranging from upbeat, danceable tunes to introspective ballads, with Freeze’s unquenchable energy remaining constant. The crowd soon found it impossible to resist his enthusiasm, and were soon cheering, dancing, and helping him create a mosh pit. By the end of their set, Nordista Freeze had won over the audience, leaving them eager for more. The group are true road warriors, having played nearly 800 shows in the last few years alone, so it is likely they will visit the Twin Cities again before too long. As long as you’re prepared to dodge stage-diving singers, Nordista Freeze is a live experience you won’t want to miss.
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Closing the night was the headlining act, Moon Walker, a rising force in the rock scene. The band's performance was nothing short of explosive, with a sound that combined the raw power of classic rock with a modern edge. The stage was transformed into a sonic battleground as Moon Walker delivered a set that was both intense and melodic.
Moon Walker are a brand -new group, having been formed during the COVID lockdowns by composer and frontman Harry Springer. Their first album Truth to Power was released in September 2021, and gradually built up enough social media buzz for the group to sign a contract with Warner Music and embark on their first tour of the country to promote their second album The Attack of Mirrors.
Much like Nick Perricelli of Little Man, Springer proves to be something of a musician from another age, more rooted in the jams and grooves of the twentieth century than modern aesthetics. His frizzy hair and constant infections grin made it hard not to let loose and get lost in their music. As he commanded attention, leading the band through a setlist that showcased their musical prowess. The group’s brand of bluesy, jam-oriented rock included much instrumental jamming between the trio.
Although they share a retro aesthetic with some of the other bands on the bill, Springer’s lyrics reveal a concern with present-day politics and social concerns. “Welcome to your neighborhood/ Where everyone’s the same,” he sang on “Disturbed Suburbia”, “We’ve got the same complexion/ Familiar last names.” As fun as their music is, Moon Walker clearly have a lot on their minds and something to say.
The crowd responded with enthusiasm, creating a sea of movement and energy that mirrored the band's intensity. Between the three groups, the night seemed to be a celebration of misfits and outliers; musicians who exist outside the bounds of the mundane; who love nothing more than to get on stage and have fun.
Overall, the rock concert at The Turf Club on November 11, 2023, was a triumph of musical diversity and talent. Each act brought something unique to the table, creating a memorable night for fans of all three bands. Little Man, Nordista Freeze, and Moon Walker proved that the rock scene is alive and well, leaving the audience with a sense of exhilaration and a desire for more live performances.
