Concert Review: Bôa at the Brooklyn Steel

The band Bôa performed at the Brooklyn Steel August 7, 2025, with shoegaze band sweet93 opening the night. Bôa is best known for their song Duvet, originally popularized by the 1998 anime Serial Experiments Lain and rediscovered in late 2021 after going viral on social media. The song’s online explosion prompted a resurgence of the band and a second 2024 album Whiplash after a nearly two decade hiatus. Boa’s story is a clear example of how the internet can rewrite the trajectory of an artist’s life.

After an introspective reverb-heavy set from sweet93, Bôa hit the stage. Their set ranged from ballads like Elephant to heavier angst-ridden songs like Fool. They utilized distinctive basslines and swirling guitar to create their ethereal sound. Each musician was full of movement, reflecting the energy of the music.

Their songs explored many themes, including love, hope, and identity. In the song Fool, Jasmine sang, “I was born and raised / As an eastern girl in a western world”, reflecting her experience growing up in England with an East Asian background. I found it reminiscent of many of the popular newer artist Mitski’s songs, including Your Best American Girl.

After stepping offstage briefly, Bôa returned for an encore everyone knew was coming. Their second to last song was their new single, Walk With Me, before closing the night with Duvet. As soon as that signature riff began, the room seemed to hold its breath.