Concert Review: Juice Delivers a Night of Electrifying Music to Tampa, Florida

It's Sunday on this Memorial Day weekend, and the streets of Ybor City, in Tampa, Florida, are absolutely buzzing. Here inside Crowbar is no different, as the talented band Juice is set to take the stage. This evening marks the final stop of their spring tour, celebrating music from their past discography along with new songs from their upcoming album, Fire in the Desert, set for release on July 24, 2026. And judging by the energy in the room, the crowd couldn't be more ready for it to begin.

Juice has been gracing the music scene since 2013. The band formed while attending Boston College in Massachusetts and later made their way down to Brooklyn, New York, where they currently call home. Juice's sound is a thrilling and diverse blend of rock, pop, folk, R&B, and electronic influences. This six-piece ensemble is composed of lead vocalist Ben Stevens, along with Christian Rose on violin and Kamau Burton on guitar, who both share vocal duties as well. Daniel Moss on electric guitar, Rami El-Abidin on bass, and Mario Kronfle on drums. Juice has released a handful of singles and EPs, including Workin' on Lovin' in 2018, Konoha in 2020, and Nothing Like a Dream in 2024. In 2021 they released their debut album, Boy Story. They have made quite the name for themselves, building a dedicated fan base and attracting over 184,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. I was first introduced to Juice at Boston Calling Music Festival in 2023, and I have been following them ever since. And based on the performance they delivered then, I can’t wait to see what tonight will bring.

Starting things off is Pilot Jonezz, a New Jersey native now residing in Tampa Bay. He tears the stage up with a dynamic punk, soul, and rock sound alongside bandmates Alix Herard on drums and Kingsley III on bass. Pilot Jonezz (Aaron Bowes) moves through an eclectic setlist while playing a sweet light-blue Gretsch electric guitar, engaging the crowd with both his musicianship and easygoing personality. His Jhené Aiko cover and performance of "Grave (On a Hill)," his newest release, captivate the room. Though some may not have heard of Pilot Jonezz before, they became well aware by the end of his set. Be sure to keep an eye out, as he will undoubtedly be rocking Tampa Bay.

The stage is set as bright red and orange lights illuminate the packed room. In the back of center stage stands a Yamaha Tour Custom drum kit, with a white Fender bass to the right and a blue-and-beige Paul Reed Smith electric guitar to the left. In front there are three microphones and a Roland keyboard in the center. A Gretsch guitar rests to the right, while a Voodoo Lab pedalboard sits on the floor to the left. Juice walks onto the stage, greeted by a roar from the crowd as they make their way to their respective instruments. Filling the room with their fresh, smooth, and deeply layered sound, they dive right in and begin the night with "Becoming a Stranger." An ear-catching violin and killer guitar solo by Daniel follow as they play "Come Alive" and wow the crowd. Lead vocalist Ben Stevens brings such a dynamic, warm, soulful voice to the stage, drawing listeners in with every note he sings. The song "Audrey Tell Me" truly highlights his talent, while his piano playing adds depth to the performance. "You and I" impresses not only with its rich harmonies shared by Ben and Kamau but also with the alternative R&B vocals delivered by Christian.

As the night unfolds, Juice delights Crowbar with fan-requested songs, an unreleased tune or two, and "Freedom" and "Fire in the Desert" from their newest project. Rami on bass keeps the bass line locked in all night long, while Mario on drums provides the solid foundation on which each song stands. Juice covers Franz Ferdinand's hit "Take Me Out" and Bad Bunny's "Nuevayol," turning the room upside down. Watching each member perform with such passion, joy, and appreciation for their fans makes every moment truly special. Juice highlights their folk roots, playing an impromptu cover of "On the Road Again" during a guitar string change, which had the whole crowd dancing. The energy in the room never wavers as they close out the night with “Girlfriend Song” and “September Told Me.”

It’s truly hard to put into words the magic Juice brought to the stage at Crowbar. They are a band to experience live—one that absolutely deserves your attention and rewards it with every note they play. Juice will be on the road again in June, so be on the look out for a show near you.