A Night with Serpentine at Longplay: A Sonic Journey Through the Cosmos

All photos taken by Neerada Sheanakul (Pear) | @pearshnkl

Longplay Bar was the perfect venue for Serpentine’s first-ever headline gig. Tucked away in Brunswick, the space featured cozy wooden booths, retro decor, and a small cinema/stage set up where the performance unfolded. The stage that offered just enough intimacy to feel personal while allowing the music to expand beyond the physical confines.

Astral Collective ~

Astral Collective, a Jazz and Funk Fusion band, set the tone for the night with an electric, vibrant opening performance that felt like a portal to another world. Their instrumental set was a seamless blend of jazzy, funky fusion with strong beats and a deep, resonant bass that drew us into a mesmerizing soundscape. In this altered state, we drifted in and out of their hypnotic rhythms, the drums and bass grounding us to reality. Tracks like "Jasmine" by Naniwa Express showcased their tight musicianship, with intricate rhythms and fluid melodies that were both sophisticated and exhilarating. Astral Collective’s sound wrapped us up in a sonic embrace, perfectly priming us for the ethereal experience that was to follow.

When Serpentine finally took the stage, her presence was magnetic. Bathed in dim light, with a backdrop alternating between celestial stars and floating black matter, the atmosphere mirrored the ethereal quality of her music. Her hands, painted black, added another striking visual element, symbolizing her deep connection to the mysterious and unknown aspects of her sound. 

Her performance was a beguiling blend of alt-pop and electronic that pulled us closer to the inner workings of her mind. The music felt familiar yet tinged with an otherworldly quality, as we witnessed her raw emotions laid bare. The black-painted hands facilitated this connection, making the experience deeply personal to her, yet profoundly mystical to us. These cascading synths, textured keys, and the deep, resonant thrum of bass and drums created a sonic tapestry that felt both grounded and ethereal. Serpentine’s sound is an exploration of the unknown, capturing the mystical aspects of existence without succumbing to fear.

Throughout the performance, there were moments where Serpentine paused—whether to give light commentary or to adjust for minor setup and tech issues. These pauses didn’t detract from the experience; instead, they highlighted the intimate nature of the evening, drawing the audience closer to the artist and her process. It felt as though we were all part of the creative journey together, sharing in the spontaneity and authenticity of the moment.

In that small, intimate setting, Serpentine seemed to perform not just for the crowd, but with them, sharing a vibe that perfectly fit the evening. She was relaxed, at ease, yet fully in command of the space, guiding us all through her dark, dreamy soundscape with a gentle hand. The night was a testament to the power of music to transport, transform, and connect us to something greater than ourselves.

As the last notes faded into the night, there was a lingering sense of having been part of something special—a fleeting, unforgettable moment suspended in time, much like Serpentine’s music itself.