By Clinton Camper
Ginger Root brought the heat to Emo's in Austin on October 29th as part of their Shinbangumi Fall Tour, and the crowd was absolutely here for it. The night was a perfect storm of groovy synths, funky basslines, and Cameron Lew’s smooth falsetto—delivering that perfect mix of indie pop and retro vibes that make Ginger Root one of the coolest acts out right now.
The moment the band hit the stage with “Better Than Monday,” the room lit up. That punchy bass groove, those throwback synths, and Lew’s effortless falsetto made it clear that this was going to be more than just a concert—it was an experience. The music was crisp, yet carried that loose, free-flowing energy that made the audience feel like we were all in on something special. It wasn’t just a show—it was a vibe.
And the vibe never stopped. From “City Slicker” to “Loneliness,” Ginger Root wove through a setlist that pulled from a ton of different influences—everything from funk to 80s synthwave to bossa nova. But it all felt cohesive. The crowd was totally hooked, and you could see everyone from indie fans to retro enthusiasts grooving along.
One of the standout things about Ginger Root live is how the visuals match the music. The lights were on point—think neon pinks, deep purples, and that cool, hazy glow that gave the whole venue this retro-futuristic feel. It felt like we’d stepped into a dream. The set design was minimal but impactful, which allowed the music to take center stage while still enhancing the overall mood.
Lew has this magnetic presence—he’s got that low-key cool vibe, but when he steps to the mic, it’s like the whole room pays attention. He wasn’t just performing songs; he was connecting with the audience on a deeper level. Between tracks, he’d share little stories about the new album Shinbangumi (which by the way, is fantastic). You could tell this music meant something to him—especially when he talked about the blend of personal and cultural influences that shaped the project.
When they hit “No Problems,” you could practically feel the entire crowd light up. The song’s blend of smooth funk and disco-inspired grooves had everyone moving in sync. It’s one of those tracks that’s just made for live shows—the kind that turns into a dance party the minute the bass kicks in. The way the band locked into that groove with effortless precision is something you can’t fake.
The rhythm section? Tight. Drummer Eli Haim and bassist Ryoji Takahashi brought the perfect balance of smooth and funky, never overplaying but always adding to the pulse of the set. Ginger Root doesn’t just make music—they feel it.
But it wasn’t all about the grooves and neon lights. There were moments of real vulnerability in the set. Lew shared personal stories about the meaning behind *Shinbangumi* and how his Japanese heritage influenced the music—something that really resonated with the crowd. It was a rare glimpse into the heart of the artist behind the music, and it made the experience feel even more intimate, even in the middle of a sold-out venue.
Lew’s connection with the crowd was real. When he spoke about how thankful he was for the support, you could feel the sincerity. It wasn’t the usual “thank you for coming” spiel—it was heartfelt and genuine. It made the whole night feel even more special, like we were all part of something bigger than just a concert.
For the encore, Ginger Root went all in with “Weather,” one of their catchiest tracks, and it was the perfect way to close out the night. The energy in the room was electric. The crowd was singing along, the whole venue swaying in unison, and you could tell that Ginger Root had just leveled up.
Lew and the band closed things out with a cover that was pure magic—taking a familiar tune and giving it that signature Ginger Root touch. It was the kind of encore that left you wanting more but knowing you had just experienced something unforgettable.
Ginger Root’s show at Emo’s was everything you want from a live show: energy, heart, and music that makes you feel like you’re part of something unique. They’ve got that rare ability to fuse retro influences with modern indie vibes, and the result is something that feels both nostalgic and fresh. If you haven’t seen Ginger Root live yet, trust me, you’re missing out. Their ability to get a crowd vibing while staying true to themselves is next level.
If the Shinbangumi Fall Tour 2024 is coming through your town, don’t sleep on it. Ginger Root’s live show is the kind of night you’ll be thinking about long after the last note fades.