From the moment the lights dimmed and the first thunderous chord rang out across the festival grounds, it was clear that this would be a night to remember. Fresh to the UD music scene, The New Standard delivered an electrifying performance that left the crowd in an absolute frenzy.
From guitar solos that pierced the metal gates of Groundhog to pounding of drums loud enough to start an earthquake, The New Standard delivered a sonic explosion that transported the audience into a realm of raw, untamed energy. This wasn’t just another gig–it was a jaw-dropping, adrenaline-fueled night of musical euphoria.
Made up of members Brady Lyne (Guitar, Vocals), Matthew Denny (Keyboard), James Crisman (Guitar), Will Kearney (Bass Guitar, Vocals), Peter Crisman (Drums, Vocals), and Jack Kurt (Guitar), The New Standard exuded an energy unlike any other on stage.
The harmony of the band’s performance was a collective powerhouse of unstoppable sound. From their pulse-pounding opener “Sultans of Swing,” to the groove-filled sequels such as “Beast of Burden” and “Dancing in The Moonlight,” there wasn’t a single song played where the audience wasn’t on the verge of breaking the barriers of the venue.
The synergy among the six musicians was next-level, a perfect fusion of controlled power and boundless synergy.
But this powerhouse of sound didn’t come together overnight. The New Standard’s journey began like many great bands—out of a simple love for playing music. “A couple of us realized that we played instruments, and so we played together, and then kind of just added one at a time,” Lyne shared.
Despite their seamless chemistry on stage, the band admits they’re still discovering their unique sound. “I don’t think we found our sound. Yeah, it’s not, it’s definitely not finished yet, but I think we’re getting there. And honestly, it’s evolving and we’re just finding songs we like to play,” James Crisman and Lyne explained.
Their setlist, featuring everything from Dire Straits to Wheatus, reflects this exploration, as they gravitate toward music that resonates with them.
Their influences run deep, with classic rock and even some country shaping their sound. “Artists like John Mayer and Dire Straits have been some of our biggest influences as a band.” As they took the Groundhog stage, any pre-show nerves faded into pure adrenaline. “Definitely more nervous on the day of the event,” Lyne admitted. “But once I’m actually up on stage, it’s never as bad.” That confidence shone through in every electrifying note, proving that while The New Standard may still be finding their sound, their ability to captivate an audience is undeniable.
If there’s one thing that defined The New Standard’s performance it was the undeniable connection between the band and their audience. From the opening notes of “Sultans of Swing” to the final encore, the energy between the two was electric.
The crowd, a seething mass of turbulent energy, erupted into cheers, fists pumping in the air as the band took the stage. Every song the band performed was met by mass hysteria in the audience, creating a mosh-worthy atmosphere that was a mix of unhinged energy and unstoppable force.
The band had an uncanny ability to shift from roaring, unrelenting rockers to moments of quiet, melodic introspection.
This dynamic range was the key to their power—one moment they were unleashing a chaotic storm of sound, the next they were drawing the audience in with an eerie, haunting blues passage.
Each transition was effortless, each song a carefully crafted masterpiece that left the crowd hanging onto every note.
By the time the final notes of the encore rang out and the stage lights dimmed, it was clear that The New Standard had proven the point set in their name–they truly were the new standard of UD bands. The sheer energy, the flawless synergy, the way they commanded the stage—it was all next-level.
In the end, the night was a testament to The New Standard’s soul-shaking sound. Their ability to captivate, to electrify, to transport an audience into a world of unfiltered musical ecstasy remains unparalleled. For those lucky enough to witness it, this was a performance that will forever be etched into the annals of UD Groundhog history—an earth-shattering, show-stopping triumph that left no doubt: The New Standard reigns supreme.