Old Tom & the Lookouts at Toad 2026-02-24T20:00:00
Led by Alex Calabrese, Boston-based indie-folk band Old Tom & The Lookouts blend the introspective grit of Americana with the emotional rawness of indie rock. Known for their brooding lyrics and powerful storytelling, the band explores themes of mental health, love, and resilience. Drawing influences from artists like Tom Waits, Frightened Rabbit, and Phoebe Bridgers, Thomas’ evocative vocals and poignant songwriting strike a chord with listeners searching for authenticity and emotional depth.
Old Tom & The Lookouts have performed at notable venues such as Club Passim (Cambridge, MA), Music Hall Lounge (Portsmouth, NH), City Winery (Philadelphia, PA), and Skylark Lounge (Denver, CO). Their previous release, Just For Beasts (2021), co-created with violinist and vocalist Cecilia Vacanti, was praised by critics as “hauntingly beautiful” by Lunar Sonar and “essential listening” by Music Mecca. With Northeastern (2024), the band takes a bold step forward, embracing a more rock-driven sound while staying true to their emotionally charged roots.
Indie Pulse Music called Northeastern, “upbeat, tonally deliberate, and lyrically poignant.” While Cage Riot called it, “an absolute triumph of sound, storytelling, and emotion.” Taking this all in, the band considers this their best work yet and can’t wait to play it out for all you wonderful people! The band’s debut record, Beautiful or Not, pays homage to influences such as Frightened Rabbit, Phoebe Bridgers and Tom Waits, capturing a new voice within the Indie-Folk genre. The band is set to release their sophomore record, Just for Beasts in Fall 2021.