Often times when I am discovering new artists, I will often go to a close friend of mine for picks. About a month ago, he recommended I check out this British band called Westside Cowboy. Specifically, he told me to listen to their debut record It Goes On.

Coincidentally, after I finished the album, Westside Cowboy announced a micro tour in three US cities. One of them just so happened to be at the soon to be closing Music Hall of Williamsburg. I knew I had to buy a ticket.

When I arrived at the venue, I felt a renewed freshness that I hadn't felt in years. Going to a sold out show to see an up and coming band is a feeling that is indescribable. The wooden floors of the venue had clearly seen better days, but tonight was a great one.

The opening act was Philadelphia-based band Star Moles who put on a great show. Singer Emily Moles has a knack for witty lyrics and kick ass guitar playing. It was best seen when they performed "Overdog."

One of her bandmates (and Rubber Band Gun frontman) Kevin Basko asked the crowd if anyone was a Brooklyn Nets fan. Me being the "genius" that I am, I decided to yell the loudest yeah of all time. Basko, in response, jokingly said he would give me discounted merch.

As soon as Star Moles left the stage, the room swelled with people. It was clearly a sold out show; itwas so packed, I couldn't see the exit sign. And I'm 6'1.

Once Westside Cowboy came on stage, you could tell it was going to be epic. The opening song "Kick Stones (The Boys)" had the crowd and in a state of bliss. Drummer Paddy Murphy went ballistic on the drums, playing the fastest set I've seen this year.

A couple songs later, the band played my favorite song off their EP This Better Be Something Great, "Drunk Surfer." Hearing singer and guitarist Jimmy Bradbury perform it was thrilling. At one point during the show, I decided to yell "WE LOVE YOU" to the band, and Bradbury cheekily responded with "We'd love you if we knew you better."

Experiencing Westside Cowboy last night felt like seeing Geese right before they blew up. It's a once in a lifetime moment where you can see a band right as they are about to become more mainstream. It feels like you're being let in on a secret.

This was best personified when the band played “Coyote.” Singer and bassist Aoife Anson O'Connell is a future star, and her vocals during the song even had me wondering about a potential solo career.

My favorite song of the set had to be “Patchwork.” Something about the Elliot Smith-esque guitar work along with Bradbury’s vulnerability proved to me that Westside Cowboys are modern poets.

Admittedly, the setlist was short, and unfortunately there was no encore. Then again, the band has only been in existence for three years, so I was not expecting a deep catalog to be on display up on that stage.

Seeing Westside Cowboy reminded me why I go to shows. Experiencing emerging talent with a crowd of passionate fans is an experience that goes beyond the price of a ticket.