Concert Review: Moving Mountains Returns to the Stage to Embark on a New Chapter in Brooklyn New York

The weather is starting to change as I make my way up the stairs of the L subway stop at Jefferson Street in Brooklyn, New York.  I stroll around the corner to find fans lining up at the Sultan Room to catch the exciting return of Moving Mountains.  Tonight is a particularly special one, as it's Moving Mountains' first weekend of shows since performing together 8 years ago.  Brooklyn is the second stop of a three-night show run that began in Philadelphia and will conclude in Boston.  This mini-tour celebrates their newest album, 'Pruning of the Lower Limbs,' while simultaneously highlighting their impressive catalog of work.  Following the band's journey over two decades and having grown up knowing two members of the band, Gregory Dunn and Mitchell Lee, this is a special one to watch.

The story of Moving Mountains began in a rather unique way in comparison to the traditional band story.  It all started in Westchester, New York. High schooler Greg Dunn dedicated his time to the intricate craft of learning how to record and make music, with the hope of sharing his work and playing in a band. He joined forces with fellow creative Nick Pizzolato, officially forming Moving Mountains in 2005.  The turning point came in 2006 when the duo posted a studio project on Myspace.  The project was met with a resounding response from curious listeners across the web, giving them the confidence they needed that this was more than just a studio project but something worthy of a stage.  Greg and Nick formed a band with bass player Mitch Lee and guitarist/vocalist Frank Graniero in 2007 as things began to take off.  Moving Mountains released their debut album, 'Pneuma,' in 2007, followed by 'Waves' in 2011.  Guitarist and backup vocalist Joshua Kirby joined the group the same year as Frank stepped aside. Their self-titled album, 'Moving Mountains,' was released in 2013, followed by their most recent album, 'Pruning of the Lower Limbs,' in June of 2025.  In addition, the band has successfully released three EPs.  Moving Mountains toured extensively in the early years, with their reach spanning across genres. They played all of Warped Tour and supported runs with acts like Thursday, The Dear Hunter, Prawn, and Thrice, to name a few.  And tonight, the dedicated fans that have been with them from the beginning and new ones that have joined along the way are all here to celebrate this new chapter.

The Sultan Room stage shines in beautiful hues of pink light as talented singer-songwriter Kacie Hill starts things off for the evening. Originally from California and now a resident of New York, her East Coast-West Coast influences bring a fresh sound to the room.  Armed with her acoustic guitar, she flows through a setlist of songs rooted in folk, indie, and alternative tones. Kacie is accompanied on stage by her equally talented bandmates: Luc Swift on a Hofner bass, supporting vocalist Aida O'Brien on a Telecaster, and Gordon Taylor on drums.  Her song "California Blue" captivates the crowd with every note she sings. Be sure to keep an eye out for Kacie as she continues to carve her path in the music scene locally and beyond.

The room is packed to the brim as fans await with excitement for Moving Mountains to make their triumphant return. The sides of the stage are packed with an arsenal of Fender electric and acoustic guitars. The front is covered with three impressive pedal boards, and an Evans drum kit sits in the back.  Greg, Mitch, Nick, Josh, and Frank take to the stage and to their respective instruments as the crowd cheers.  They waste no time filling the room with their captivating sound as they kick off the night with the song "8105."  A tune that pays homage to the date Moving Mountains was officially formed, August 1, 2005.  Moving Mountains takes fans on a lyrical and musical journey as they move through tracks from their newest body of work into cherished songs from their older EPs and albums, bringing big smiles to the room.  Greg commands the stage with his strong vocals, textured guitar skills, and undeniable connection with the crowd.  Josh and Frank add a rich dynamic of sound with their supportive vocals and guitar playing. Mitch on his Fender bass is the link that connects the rhythms and harmonies, while Nick is the backbone of the group, laying down the foundation on which the band builds upon. Songs like "Ghosts," "Cover The Roots," and "The Cascade" truly resonate with fans, further proving that Moving Mountains' sound spans beyond any one genre and that it is more than just music but an experience.

 After years of a healthy break and just living life, Greg felt the artistic pull to create music once again.  He had a personal project that had been completed but then, in a moment of realization, scrapped it. He recognized that this sound was something that belonged not just to him but to the spirit of Moving Mountains. This project eventually became 'Pruning of the Lower Limbs.'  A full circle moment, mirroring the way things began 20 years ago.  A project that was created by Greg, embraced by Nick, and a vessel to get the band back together to play it live on stage. To watch each member play on stage, having matured by time and experience, reveals a sense of calm. They are now playing and creating purely for the love of music and nothing more.  Filled by the cheers of fans, friends, and family, Moving Mountains closes out the night with "Wedding Clothes." The emotion and sound from their live performance resonates even deeper now than it did before. And, though it's exciting to know where Moving Mountains have been, it's even more exciting to see where they will go.