Ben Cramer’s band Old Sea Brigade performance this weekend gave fans a relaxing way to spend their Sunday evening.

The indie/alternative rock group created by Cramer joined forces with brothers Westen and Garrett Hine’s band MYFEVER for a performance in the Maintenance Shop.

Old Sea Brigade’s music is the epitome of lo-fi music in the greatest way possible. With the recent release of his newest album “Ode to a Friend,” Cramer and company treated the audience to the chill-vibes that come from his songs.

After coming up on stage, Cramer didn’t say anything before starting his performance. The intense vibrations coming from synthesizers immediately put the audience in a relaxed state.

Old Sea Brigade’s overall feel is very unwinding. Their unique combined sounds make for a different kind of music experience. Whether it was combining the clangs of a tambourine with the snap of his fingers, or switching between playing the guitar and piano mid-song, Old Sea Brigade’s performance is one you won’t soon forget.

A few songs into their set, Cramer addressed the audience about his songs.

“This next song is called ‘Hope,’” Cramer said. “I hope you all enjoy it.”

“I make that joke every night, I need to stop saying it.” 

Laughter spread throughout the audience at his pun. 

After loosening up the audience, Old Sea Brigade played “Resistance” and “Georgia,” playing some songs from across his discography, giving the audience a feel for the kind of calm music that he writes.

About half way through the show, the members of MYFEVER exited the stage and let Cramer perform some solo songs.

“As you can tell, most of these songs are depressing,” Cramer said. “But this next song is really f***ing depressing.”

Cramer seemed the bring out the best in the audience as he treated everyone there like a familiar friend.

In an interview before the show, Cramer said he first got into the music industry, which led to the creation of Old Sea Brigade.

“I started playing in bands when I was really young,” Cramer said. “I played in school talent shows. We started playing our own shows and that carried on throughout high school and that just hasn’t stopped.”

For any prospective musicians at Iowa State, Cramer said to not give up.

“Stick with it,” Cramer said. “Surrounds yourself with people who you are inspired by. Be persistent. It’s not the most talented people that make. It the most persistent and passionate.”

Cramer said he’s touring all over the United States, with a a three-week European tour planned after. He has plans to write more music this summer

“We’ll do this tour all over the U.S.,” Cramer said. “The day we finish this tour we’ll go to Europe for three weeks. Then I’ll probably make more music this summer. I’ll be touring again this August.”

Cramer’s laid-back personality especially shows in his music, making for a fun and relaxing evening at the M-Shop.