About
Montreal psych-rockers Elephant Stone swirl sitar into fuzzed-out grooves at Mercury Lounge, the LES's essential 250-cap rock room.
Rishi Dhir is one of the only frontmen in rock who genuinely shreds on sitar, and hearing it woven through fuzz-pedal grooves in a room as small as Mercury Lounge is a trip in the best way. The LES institution's shoebox scale puts you close enough to watch the instrument-swapping up close. If psych, shoegaze or '60s raga-rock is your lane, this punches far above its ticket price.
What to expect
A tightly packed back room with the band a few feet away, kaleidoscopic songs that stretch into extended raga passages, and a crowd of psych devotees. Mercury Lounge runs efficient set times posted at the door; the bar up front is a good staging area between openers.
Good to know
- F to Second Av — the venue is on East Houston at Essex
- Small standing room; arrive at set time posted to get near the stage
- 21+ typically; bring ID
- The LES around Houston is packed with late-night food options after
- Earplugs recommended — the small room runs loud
Common questions
What does Elephant Stone sound like?
Psychedelic rock threaded with Indian classical influences — sitar-led melodies over fuzzy, danceable rhythm-section grooves.
How early should I arrive?
Mercury Lounge posts set times; arriving 20-30 minutes before the headliner usually secures a decent spot.