The Fresh Bears Put Out Some Fresh Sounds
Romova Loft, Chicago, IL| October 2nd, 2026
Written by Amanda La
The Fresh Bears performed in front of a hyped-up, intimate crowd at their album release show in Chicago just a week after their sophomore album “VERY AMERICAN” was released. And even though they were the supporting act, the crowd’s reaction would make an unassuming person think they were the headliners. They have a natural affinity for the stage, to the point where you start to wonder whether it's a second home for those boys — easily rousing up the crowd with fun antics like when their bassist, Grant Baker, showed off his party trick by playing his instrument behind his head. They don’t shy away from interacting with the audience either, encouraging the crowd to sing along as they covered the Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop.” The instrument-forward sound when they play live highlights the strength of their bassist, guitarist (Jude Felsman), and drummer (Everett Felsman) and makes you feel like you’re watching a garage band on the verge of making it big.
This is probably the biggest contrast to their studio sound, which leaves you mesmerized by their main vocalist, Hudson Felsman’s unique voice. There’s a constant give and take between the instrumental flares and his rhythmic voice, creating a dynamic that keeps you drawn in until the end. One minute, you’re pressing play, dancing around and headbanging to the songs without even noticing that twenty-eight minutes have already passed. The album’s sound is infectious and it flows so cohesively, naturally transitioning from one song to the next all while producing a top-tier three-track run with “UGLY,” “YEARS ME APART,” and “ANOTHER DAY.”
With less than a thousand monthly listeners right now, the enthusiastic reception they received in Chicago is a promising sign that they're cultivating a fanbase that’s only beginning to grow. So if you’re a fan of indie and alternative rock, definitely give The Fresh Bears a listen. And if you’re looking for a good time? Make sure to catch a show at one of their upcoming stops on the VERY AMERICAN tour.
