THE BACKSEAT LOVERS PERFORM IN LOUISVILLE, KY ON THEIR NORTH AMERICAN TOUR ON AUG. 17th, 2021
photos by devon crawley
LOUISVILLE -- It’s a humid Tuesday evening in mid-August, and while the sun may have been low, the energy among the young crowd of fans could not have been higher. Upon entering, concert-goers are immediately greeted by a remarkable collection of vintage pinball machines along the back wall, opposite a dozens-long line waiting to purchase from a wide variety of the band’s merchandise.
By 8:00 the sold-out show was, indeed, full. By the start of the show, around 8:30, the performances--more dynamic even than expected--began. First with support from Canadian vibe-rock quartet “Sleepy Gonzales”, instantly filling the hall in dreamy synth and electric guitar that washed over a receptive crowd. Throughout the set (approx. 25 min), the small throng was charmed, if not enchanted entirely, with tracks like “Aliens Exist” and “Sally on the Avenue”. By the time they had finished, everyone was more than adequately stirred for what was yet to come.
After the stage was set, burgeoning indie-rock ensemble “The Backseat Lovers” wasted no time keeping the energy alive. Recording together since spring 2018, the Utah natives are clearly lacking indifference towards any aspect of their music. This became apparent as the band electrified the crowd with “Pool House” and “Still a Friend”. Building on the thrill and nostalgia with “Out of Tune” and “Just a Boy”, the band told a story that allowed each individual present, with their own unique lives and histories, to simultaneously yearn for freedom, love, and youth. By the end of the night, every voice was exhausted and first-time listeners left as life-time converts. In a time where many have been without live music for far too long, the collective experience provided by The Backseat Lovers was nothing short of cathartic.
TAGS: “The Backseat Lovers”, “Zanzabar”, “Sleepy Gonzales”, “Louisville”, “concert”, “Kilby Girl”