Peter Bjorn and John, more commonly known for their soft indie-pop sound, blew our minds at Irving Plaza. The Swedish indie trio arrived for the New York stop of their Writer’s Block Anniversary Tour, bringing with them nearly two decades of jangling guitars, wistful lyrics, and an iconic whistled hook that refuses to age. But they didn’t open with it – at least, not quite.
Instead, they opened by teasing the audience with a warped, distorted version of “Young Folks,” and it was a clever bit of misdirection, because while “Young Folks” may have been the gateway for many casual fans, Peter Bjorn and John had something else to show. Beneath the indie-pop polish lies a full-bodied, bass-forward rock sound, one amplified by their live performances.
The show was a full playthrough of Writer’s Block, the band’s career-defining third album, which holds up in a heartbreakingly nostalgic, but still ‘groove alone in your bedroom’ way. From the opening track of the set, a haunting call-and-response of “Poor Cow,” to the fuzzed-out dissonance of “Objects of My Affection” the band reminded the crowd why this album left such a mark on the 2000s indie landscape.
In addition to the Writer's Block tracks, the band also performed songs from other albums, including "Breakin' Point" from the album of the same name, "Living a Dream" and "Gut Feeling" from Darker Days, and "Second Chance" from Gimme Some.
Between songs, the band, made up of Peter Morén, Björn Yttling, and John Eriksson, kept things light. Their chemistry hasn’t faded, and neither has the charm that made Writer’s Block such an endearing oddball in the indie canon. During “Up Against the Wall” Morén hopped off the stage and made his way through the crowd, allowing longtime fans who'd been singing along for the past 20 years the opportunity to sing it with him.
One of the night’s most sentimental moments came in the form of “Teen Love,” a cover of fellow Swedish band The Concretes, that they promised to play every time they’re in New York. Longtime fans knew the reference (they released the cover as a single back in 2004) and everyone else just felt the warmth.
Perhaps the most surprising part of the night was just how muscular the set felt. For a band often pegged as delicate or “twee,” Peter Bjorn and John delivered a surprisingly guitar-and-bass-heavy sound that made a strong case for their rock credentials. The mix was loud and relentless in the best way.
And yes, when they finally did play the full version of “Young Folks,” it hit like a well-earned encore, even if it technically wasn’t one. The crowd whistled along like it was 2006 all over again.
Peter Bjorn and John proved they’re not just the band with the whistle, they’re the band with the riffs, the groove, and the staying power. Writer’s Block still aches in all the right ways, and live, it hits harder than you’d ever expect.
Connect with Peter Bjorn and John on Instagram, Spotify, and their website.
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Jonathan Sherman
Jonathan is a multi-talented creative who bridges the worlds of music and technology. As the CEO and founder of Return Records, he is building a modern record label with a retro-inspired sound. As a Change Manager and Digital Experience Specialist at an international organization, he focuses on reimagining user experiences. From his early inspirations listening to Bob Dylan and Motown, to his work today as a musician, DJ, and label founder, Jonathan embodies a dynamic and multidisciplinary approach to artistry, proving that music and tech can find their perfect groove.
During golden hour on the rooftop of Return Records (the setting of many music videos and most recently, a songwriting camp), we caught up Jonathan, where he answered a few questions for the groovement:
What was the first concert you attended?
The first concert I ever attended was Bob Dylan in the early 2000s at the Portland Civic Center. At the time, guitar and songwriting were my whole world, so seeing Dylan live left a major impression. I was struck not only by his place as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, but also by his longevity and the way he constantly reinvented his music. It showed me that artistry can be timeless, dynamic, and always evolving.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Kennebunkport, Maine, though I also grew up in Newton, Massachusetts just outside of Boston. I spent about ten years in Newton and another ten years in Maine before moving to Washington, DC. There, I studied international affairs and economics at American University and later earned a master’s in information technology from Georgetown University. I went on to spend around 12 years working in the government tech sector and entertainment. About two and a half years ago, I relocated to New York City, which has become home and the center of my work in both music and technology.
What do you do?
That’s the proverbial question in New York — and for me, it’s a two-part answer. By night, I’m in the music industry as the CEO and founder of Return Records, a distributed label with The Orchard and Sony Music. We focus on analog and retro-inspired sounds across house, pop, and rock, with the goal of becoming the Motown of the digital era. The label supports artists through live performance opportunities, publishing administration, music distribution, community building, and production.
By day, I’m a Change Manager and Digital Experience Specialist at an international organization. My work there is about reimagining user experiences for their digital products and helping drive adoption of AI tools among staff and contractors. It’s a balance of innovation and artistry — and both sides feed each other in surprising ways.
Who or what do you draw inspiration from?
I’ve always been a multidisciplinary artist, so my inspiration comes from many places.
In music, I’m influenced by Motown, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Daft Punk, The Strokes, The Black Keys, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Tears for Fears, Michael Jackson, Wham!, Hall & Oates, and the Philadelphia Sound.
In art, my mother — a visual artist — introduced me to Van Gogh, Picasso, Maurice Utrillo, and the Impressionists.
In fashion, I’ve been drawn to American designers like Tom Ford and Thom Browne, as well as Italian masters like Giorgio Armani.
At the heart of it, I’m inspired by the spirit of 1920s French soirees — where music, art, fashion, and lifestyle merged to create transformative experiences.
What does live music mean to you?
For me, live music has always been about connection. When I was growing up, live performance meant seeing the artist in full — not just hearing their songs, but experiencing their presence and how they connected with people.
Today, I think live music has become something even more multi-dimensional. In a world shaped by digital platforms, social media, and post-COVID virtual experiences, live entertainment is about creating a multi-sensory, emotional connection. A great live show should engage all the senses — sight, sound, even atmosphere — and bridge the digital with the physical. To me, the best performances are immersive, holistic experiences that leave audiences feeling transformed.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes, I play several. I play acoustic and electric guitar, piano and keyboard, and I’m also a DJ, spinning mostly disco house and funky house. I’ve always been both a performer and an instrumentalist. While I don’t claim to be the best among my friends, I’ve always had enough rhythm and grounding in music fundamentals to write songs and shape ideas. From there, I often let performers and producers elevate the work. That’s been my process as a singer-songwriter and it continues in my role as a label founder.
Connect with Jonathan on Instagram, via email (info@returnrecords.com) or by phone (301-335-2794).
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