LILIAC / PLATINUM MOON – HIGHER GROUND – BURLINGTON VT
By Crystal Valerie
Liliac and Platinum Moon took the stage at Higher Ground’s Showcase Lounge on Thursday, February 27, 2025, proving the future of rock is in great hands.
Opening the evening, Platinum Moon proved you don’t have to have decades of experience to sound great. The group opened the show with their catchy “Your Toxins” and “Blacked Out (Hypocrite)”, garnering attention from the audience. As the crowd danced and enjoyed the youthful energy of the band, there was a feeling of warmth despite the chill of the late February weather. Dedicating their song “1975” to those who feel like they were born in the wrong decade, it occurred to me how lucky I was that I was born in the early 80s. The 90s was a great decade for music, but I digress.
The New York-based Platinum Moon is relatively new to the scene, consisting of members Ava Anduze, Anton, Joseph Klettner, Ethan Grosman, and Toby Dorfman. Showcasing their unique style with a hint of influence from the classic rock greats I grew up listening to on the radio. The powerful vocals are reminiscent of Dorothy Martin’s gritty, commanding belt from the band Dorothy.
The band impressed me with their use of keyboards—something Ray Manzarek would approve of and a sound that has been largely absent from rock music these days. I look forward to seeing what they do next, especially if they continue to incorporate their unique style into their music. I had the pleasure of meeting them at the merch table and witnessing their interactions with new fans, signing hats and cracking jokes along the way.
After a short break, the crowd roared as the lights dimmed and the epic showcase of melodic metal and dramatic vocals began. Atlanta-based Liliac is a five-piece band of talented siblings who bring high energy to the hard rock genre while offering a fresh perspective to the classics. With Melody’s commanding vocals, Samuel’s electrifying guitar solos, Abigail’s hard-hitting drumming, Ethan’s deep bass grooves, and Justin’s mesmerizing keyboard melodies, the band delivers a sound that’s both nostalgic and new. Their father, Papa Liliac, not only recognized their talent early on but also plays a key role as their manager and producer.
With raspy, soulful vocals, gripping lyrics, blistering guitar solos, rich keyboard layers, and a thunderous rhythm section, Liliac brings a powerful, unmistakable sound. They honor the greats of rock while carving out their own place in the industry, appealing to longtime rock lovers and a whole new generation of fans.
This powerhouse family band has been making waves in the music world, and their latest album, Chain of Thorns, is on the rise. The album soared to #1 on Amazon’s Rock Charts for New Releases and claimed the #2 spot on the Best Sellers list. Their newest single, “We Are the Children” has already claimed the top spot on both the New Releases and Best Sellers charts.
Liliac’s journey started with late-night performances on the Santa Monica Pier, where they honed their craft and built a loyal fan base. Their passion for rock shines through in every performance, taking listeners back to a time when music told a story and left a lasting impact.
In the Showcase Lounge, fans lined up to have the best spot by the stage in Higher Ground’s intimate venue. After greeting fans with originals like “Human”, “Delusion”, and “Prisoner”, the band launched into the covers that had captured the attention of millions on national television.
Paul Barnes Jr. delighted the crowd with a drum solo before the band offered their rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Heaven and Hell”. The siblings rocked the venue with covers of White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army”, and “Holy Diver” made famous by Dio back before these bandmates were even born. Wrapping up, Liliac rocked the house with “Carousel” before reluctantly calling it a night. The crowd scattered, feeling confident they’d witnessed an important moment in rock history.
Liliac’s chart-topping success is just the beginning. With their unstoppable energy and commitment to keeping rock alive, they’re proving they’re not going anywhere—they’re only getting bigger.
To learn more about Liliac, check out their Website
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Purchase: Amazon Music
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