New York University’s very own Del Water Gap returned to Hopkins to perform on the final day of Spring Fair 2014. Once again, the alternative folk group impressed the beach crowd with songs off their 2012 EP. Beach loungers were even fortunate enough to preview songs from their forthcoming EP, Sleeping, scheduled to release on May 2.
Del Water Gap was as well rehearsed, charming and entertaining as ever, but returning fans noticed one striking difference: the absence of front-woman Maggie Rogers. Sadly, on June 11, Rogers publicly announced that “After careful conversation,” she “decided to leave Del Water Gap.”
The news shocked fans — including many Hopkins students — who witnessed the exceptional chemistry between Rogers and Jaffe firsthand only two months prior to the split.
Rogers went on to clarify that Del Water Gap would “no longer function as a duo, but return to its previous incarnation as the solo project of S. Holden Jaffe.” She made sure to wish the group well but did not further explain her pronouncement.
Nearly a year has passed since this unexpected change in the band’s dynamics and image. Though Rogers contributed brilliant vocals, vast instrumental range (guitar, banjo, mandolin and ukulele make up only part of her skill set) and a lovely stage presence during the group’s performances, Del Water Gap nonetheless thrives. Lead singer and guitarist Holden Jaffe continues to successfully write, record and perform alongside bassist Will Evans, drummer Charlie Schlinkert and trumpeter Jared LaCasce.
Spring Fair listeners were endlessly impressed by the young group’s sound and style. In addition to Jaffe’s unique voice and poetic lyrics, Del Water Gap possesses a relaxed, folk element unmatched by most indie groups, that clearly causes this group to stand out.
The band will continue touring eastern colleges and performing at small venues around Manhattan, further accumulating dedicated SoHo followers. Check out the group’s EP Sleeping on May 2, and keep up with group happenings via Facebook, BandCamp or SoundCloud.
Expect big things from this talented group.
