A Homecoming Like No Other: Quarters of Change Rocks the City
Photo by SAM SCHRAUB
On December 13th, Quarters of Change lit up Brooklyn Steel with their biggest headlining show yet, turning the venue into a vibrant celebration of their growth. The band—Ben Roter (vocals, guitar), Jasper Harris (guitar, bass, synths), Attila Anrather (drums), and Ben Acker (guitar, bass, synths)—brought their signature energy to a night that felt both electric and personal.
The Homecoming show was preceded by a series of exciting events that built anticipation, including an MTA pop-up performance that took place at the 14th Street Union Square Station, a giveaway contest, a set up and gear walkthrough livestream from 30th Street Guitars, and an invite-only Atlantic Records acoustic set.
The night of the show, fans trickled in wearing merch that reflected the band’s distinct style, from striking T-shirts to bold sunglasses etched with references like "Homecoming" or fan-favorite song titles like “T-Love.” Many in the crowd buzzed with excitement, speculating about when the band would finally take the stage or chatting about the number of openers for the night. By the time the openers hit the stage at 8 PM, the venue steadily filled, and the growing audience created an air of eager anticipation.
The show kicked off with a mixed reception to the two openers. Stella Rose delivered an intense synth-rock set that featured moody melodies and a strong stage presence. However, her lone positioning on stage and the crowd's uncertainty about whether elements were live or pre-recorded left some feeling underwhelmed. Despite this, her music has a distinctive and intriguing quality, blending haunting tones and experimental textures that make her a compelling artist, particularly within the underground scene. In contrast, Stolen Gin brought a lively and eclectic energy, blending rock, jazz, and folk influences with an undeniable nod to classic artists like Steely Dan. Their saxophonist and drummer were particular standouts, earning cheers that helped build excitement and set the stage perfectly for the main act.
The atmosphere shifted as the lights dimmed for Quarters of Change, signaling a change in energy. As the band took the stage, the audience responded with enthusiastic cheers, though the energy in the room felt more subdued compared to some other shows. Still, the band's dynamic presence and undeniable talent quickly captivated the crowd, drawing everyone into their performance and sparking a steady wave of excitement that grew throughout the night. They opened with “Cherry Tree” from their latest album Portraits, which was released in January of this year. The track bursts with energy, offering a perfect balance of drive and subtlety that gets the crowd moving without giving everything away too soon.
Next came “Tightrope,” another standout from the album and one of my personal favorites. I wasn’t expecting to hear it so early in the set, but I was just happy it made the cut. Audience members had been handed small red pieces of paper at the doors before the show, with instructions to raise them with your flashlights during the bridge of the song. While the idea was creative and added an interactive layer to the performance, the timing felt slightly unclear from my vantage point. I noticed a few fans discussing whether they had missed the moment to hold them up, I noticed the audience was a mix of dedicated fans and newcomers, like one attendee who mentioned they’d brought their boyfriend to experience the band for the first time. The gesture fostered a sense of unity, but it might have been even more effective if it were tied to a widely-known song, like “T-Love” or “Kiwi,” later in the set when the crowd’s collective energy and familiarity were at their peak.
Photo by SAM SCHRAUB
Another standout moment was the performance of “Do or Die,” one of the singles from Portraits that quickly became a fan favorite. The high-energy track is a perfect sing-along anthem, and its catchy lyrics have even gone viral on TikTok. The part where Ben Roter sings,
"You never like when I play my music anymore / You only like that 1974!”
became a popular trend, with fans using the line—often interpreted as a playful jab at The 1975—to showcase their music tastes. The line’s popularity reflects the strong connection between Quarters of Change fans and The 1975’s fanbase, even if it’s delivered with a tongue-in-cheek tone.
Mid-set, a surprise mashup of “Hollywood Baby” from Portraits and “Dead” from their debut album Into the Rift had a seamless flow, keeping the energy high. The band followed up with an emotionally charged performance of “To Let Go,” a track from the deluxe edition of Into the Rift. Before performing it, Roter mentioned that the “tough” song felt fitting to play this song at their Homecoming show, and the crowd responded, singing along with palpable emotion.
Throughout the set, the band extended several intros and outros, giving each member a chance to shine with their improvisational jams. Acker and Harris’ guitar work consistently stood out, their playing effortlessly captivating both fans and anyone familiar with New York City’s music scene. With every riff, their guitars seemed to cry and wail, exuding raw emotion that resonated deeply with the crowd. Their passion was evident, making it clear that the music came from a place of genuine feeling.
Photo by SAM SCHRAUB
Anrather’s drumming was equally mesmerizing. He poured boundless energy into every beat, his cymbals crashing with intensity at every turn. By the time he finally got his solo toward the end of the set, the anticipation had built to a peak, and his performance was nothing short of amazing, proving why he’s such a vital force within the band.
While Quarters of Change radiated energy throughout, the final moments truly stole the spotlight. The band closed their main set with “T-Love,” a fan favorite that ignited the crowd, creating an electric atmosphere of unity and excitement. It was easily one of the night's most memorable highlights, with everyone singing along, fully immersed in the music.
After a brief exit, Quarters of Change returned for their expected encore. It’s hard to imagine a show-ending without “Kiwi,” a beloved track for longtime fans, and “Rift,” the song that embodies the perfect closer. Loud, soulful, and bursting with energy, it encapsulates everything that makes their live performances so unforgettable. You’d be remiss not to feel the rush of adrenaline as the band delivered a powerful finish.
Truthfully, there weren’t many crowd interactions that set this show apart from their other performances, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The band seemed to exist in their own musical bubble, fully immersed in their sound—and that confidence radiated throughout the venue. While they didn’t verbalize much about the significance of this being their biggest headlining show yet, their performance said it all. They didn’t need to speak the words for the audience to feel the weight of the moment.
Despite the room’s size, the atmosphere felt surprisingly intimate. The band’s command of the stage created a sense of closeness, as though we were witnessing something deeply personal. It was a rare quality that added an extra layer to the experience. While more crowd engagement could certainly help draw in those less familiar with their music—perhaps encouraging them to join in the energy on the dance floor—the band’s ability to let the music speak for itself was just as compelling. Their clean, focused approach to the performance made it clear they were there to deliver a great show, and that dedication was evident.
Quarters of Change is a band that deserves far more recognition than they currently receive. If you're a fan of rock music, I highly recommend checking them out if they’re ever performing near you—you won’t be disappointed. Their undeniable talent and infectious music are more than worth your time. Show the band the love they deserve—attend their shows and show your support, even if you're not yet familiar with every track.