Who says you can’t go home again? At Real Estate’s show at White Eagle Music Hall, a New Jersey crowd patiently awaited the hometown band they know and love. When Real Estate took the stage, they got right to it – music first, formalities second – and no one seemed to mind.

Their set seamlessly transitioned from old to new, opening with 2014’s, “Had to Hear,” and weaving in singalong favorite, “It’s Real.” Songs from their most recent album, In Mind, showcased their continued ability to craft mesmerizing melodies, while pushing their sound in a compelling new direction. Casual chords layered with the classic coos from front man, Martin Courtney, captivated the crowd as a disco ball hung from the ceiling, illuminating the sea of smiling faces in fragmented purple light.

The band’s signature subtle, wistful lyrics created a sweeping wave of nostalgia that transformed the atmosphere from a Thursday night in Jersey into a laid-back Sunday at the Shore. Engrossed onlookers nodded their heads and couples danced as Real Estate proved that even as their sound develops, they’ll never forget the foundation of what makes them so memorable. And let this night be the proof—their devoted fans won’t soon either.

–Leslie James