Chat Pile at Le Poisson Rouge

Photos and Writing by Kyle Ostrander

Oklahoma City noise rock act Chat Pile are no strangers to NYC. Over the past several years, the group has sold out three headline shows, along with an impressive main stage performance at Outline Fest earlier this year. After Saturday’s show at Le Poisson Rouge, the band can now add a fourth sold out NYC show to their belt.

Die-hard Chat Pile fans began lining up outside the venue hours before doors opened. Many were buzzing with anticipation of hearing tracks from the band’s recently released sophomore album, Cool World, performed live. The album underscores everything that’s been making the sludgy quartet into a household name. Catchy riffs, uniquely deep lyrics, and an overall unmistakable sound have been grabbing more and more attention from rock and metal fans. Adding a cherry on top are their monumental live shows.

“We’re here in the concrete jungle. It’s what dreams are made of. Let’s do this!” exclaimed vocalist Raygun Busch before starting the show with “I Am Dog Now”, the opening track off their aforementioned album. The show’s 15 song setlist was made up on-the-spot based on band vibes and audience requests, making for a truly special night for all in attendance. Although the set heavily consisted of cuts from Cool World, Chat Pile didn’t shy away from anything in their catalog, even going all the way back to their 2019 debut EP a few times. “Rat Boy! I don’t wanna die like this!” belted Raygun Busch as he collapsed to the floor at the end of “Rat Boy”. The vocalist spent much of the set stomping and twisting around the stage, after almost immediately ripping off his shirt and footwear. Equally as intense, the rest of the band members hurled their instruments, thrashed their heads, excitedly sprang up and down, and caused a perfectly chaotic energy to match the sweetly atonal wall of sound they delivered.

Just as iconic as their live energy is Chat Pile’s stage banter between songs. Much of it was focused on the group’s favorite movies based in NYC, which included mentions of Do The Right Thing, Maniac, Juice, and Q The Winged Serpent. The audience would respond in-kind by shouting back their movie suggestions, at least when they weren’t too busy moshing and screaming the words to nearly every song. At certain points, it felt like a constant tsunami of crowd surfing and stage diving fans, making the large sold-out venue feel like a small and intimate show. “I can feel the big apple pulling us. We might just have to come back again sometime!” said Raygun Busch near the end of their set. I have a feeling that NYC would be more than happy to welcome them back anytime.

The first leg of Chat Pile’s extensive tour winds down later this month, before kicking back into gear in February 2025 with even more North American and international dates that run through March. You can view all their upcoming shows here.

Setlist: