Bôa at 9:30 Club

By: Amelia Kramer

British alt-rock band Bôa had an astounding, electric performance this past Tuesday on May 6^th, 2025 at the 9:30 Club in D.C. Their original 1998 album, The Race of a Thousand Camels, was reissued in 2001 as Twilight with their hit single “Duvet” leading its popularity as the opening to the Japanese anime, Serial Experiments Lain. After an over 20-year-long hiatus, the original and some new members with the same, bad-ass lead singer, Jasmine Rodgers, came back together after an incredible resurgence of “Duvet” with the help of TikTok. Additionally, they released their new, full-length album, Whiplash, in October 2024. Now, new Bôa fans are emerging, and long-time fans are reemerging, reliving the alternative/indie sounds heard in the 90s to early 2000s.

On Tuesday night, the show opened with the dreamy and ethereal sounds of the alt/indie, California band, Dream, Ivory, who have also blown up with the help of TikTok. The atmospheric lights all around created an escape for the music lovers in attendance.

After the exceptional opener, we saw the attractive and very talented members of Bôa appear on stage. Audiences of all ages, especially young adults, were filled with smiles and excitement as we witnessed Bôa’s captivating guitar melodies, Jasmine’s enchanting voice, melodic bass, intense drums, and bright violin/keys all together for the first time in a long time. The show flowed well throughout several types of sounds: rock, upbeat, slow-paced, and mellow. An accompanying violinist adds to the exquisite melodies so unique to Bôa. They are one of those bands that can play several different genres of music, and still have a signature sound capable of making us get up and headbang, or chill out and reminisce, all perfectly converged in a single musical moment. Few bands possess this power over the listener.

Beginning with “For Jasmine,” fans were immediately intrigued when hearing a song from Twilight. Songs like “Frozen” and “Beautiful & Broken” from Whiplash were played, introducing the enchanting entries in their new album, and in turn, introducing the new era of Bôa.  Jasmine’s talent is admirable and immediately apparent. Switching from the acoustic to several electric guitars while mixing belting and soft vocals, she is a powerhouse. I was in awe of her and her exquisitely talented mates. Everything worked.  I lost my mind when they played my personal favorite, “Elephant” from the Twilight album. Their rendition of “Duvet” for live performances, an extended version of the song along with some audience call and response, was a winsome ending to this unforgettable performance. I felt like I was levitating from beginning to end.

Bôa’s performance included songs from both Twilight and Whiplash, creating an alluring sequence of songs from years past and present with the same creators.. Jasmine’s kindness and pure soul shone throughout the entire performance. Her spirit remains unaltered after all these years.

I can say with absolute confidence that this has been one of the best concert experiences I have had, and I’ve had many. Over 20 years later, the Bôa sound has not changed, and Jasmine Rodgers retains her distinctive sound as if in her first gig. Bôa is truly a transcendent band, and their music heals and brings such a beautiful community together. I am eager to see where Bôa goes with their music, their future, and their connection to their devoted fans.  I hope to see them gain the increasing recognition that their talent and music have so unequivocally deserved over the years.

Photos by Krista Goettel: