It’s been nearly two years since indie-rock band The Backseat Lovers last hit the stage. Now, the four-piece—Josh Harmon (vocals, guitar), Jonas Swanson (guitar), KJ Ward (bass), and Juice Welch (drums)—is making a comeback with a brief 11-stop tour, aiming to “test out new sounds and shake off the dust”. I was lucky enough to catch them at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, an intimate and historic venue that felt like the perfect match for their sound. The band played two back-to-back nights, both of which sold out within minutes, as excited fans packed the venue to witness their long-awaited return.

Ever since I saw them live for the first time a few years ago, I’ve been longing to experience it again. The Backseat Lovers aren’t just good live; they are truly transcendent. Their stage presence is magnetic, their energy infectious, and somehow, the songs hit even harder in person than they do through my headphones. I knew we were in for an incredible time. 

The show kicked off with Portland-based band Jonny’s Day Out, who brought an infectious energy that immediately amped up the crowd. Their sound carried a unique originality that reminded me of The Backseat Lovers themselves, making it clear why they were chosen as the opener. The band thanked The Backseat Lovers for the opportunity and shared their admiration, calling them one of the best bands out there right now—a sentiment the crowd enthusiastically echoed with cheers.

And finally, what we had all been waiting for, the band themselves took the stage, opening with “Know Your Name”, one of my personal favorites. It’s a perfect opener, starting off gently before building into something raw and intense, setting the tone for the emotional ride that followed. The setlist was a mosaic of both past favorites and unreleased gems. The band delivered beloved tracks from their debut album When We Were Friends, including “Maple Syrup” and of course “Kilby Girl”, alongside some from their 2022 follow-up Waiting to Spill, like “Growing/Dying” and “Snowbank Blues”. To my surprise and delight, they even reached back to their debut EP to play “Still a Friend”, a deep cut I didn’t expect to hear. One of the most exciting moments of the night was hearing a glimpse of their upcoming album, something they didn’t shy away from, treating us to a handful of brand-new tracks.

The show truly felt like an intimate gathering among old friends; a little warm, familiar, and full of heart. The stage was draped in a quilt-like backdrop, its patchwork textures and muted tones casting a soft warm glow under the stage lights. It felt less like a concert and more like being welcomed into someone’s living room. Harmon later shared that the backdrop was lovingly handmade by the band’s friends and family, a touching detail that added to the sense of closeness and community that filled the room.

When an artist is truly passionate about their music, it shows in their expressions, their words, and most powerfully, in the way they perform. Josh Harmon fully leans into that vulnerability, laying his heart bare on stage with every lyric and movement. That kind of energy is magnetic, and it rippled through the room, catching everyone in its current. The crowd fed off it for the entire show, creating a shared high that felt almost sacred. When the final note faded and we were pulled back into reality, it felt like a small heartbreak.

It’s not often that a band captures my heart with every song, but The Backseat Lovers have done just that. Getting the chance to photograph this show was deeply special, it’s a true highlight in my journey as a music photographer and writer. I never could have imagined moments like this, and I’m endlessly grateful that my path led me here.

While their sound has evolved over the years, one thing that they have continued to maintain is that feeling I get when listening to their music. It feels like I’m wandering around on a foggy fall morning reminiscing wistfully on a friendship I wish was more. It feels as if I’m revisiting my old elementary school and lying on the field at night as my back gets slightly damp from the dew on the grass. It feels like sharing a laugh with a stranger, like watching the sunrise after staying up all night talking with someone you love, like scribbling everything you didn’t say in a journal and hoping your eyes say more than your words ever could. Their music makes you feel every emotion with unmatched intensity. Loving to the point of no return. Being everything but nothing at the same time. Or maybe it’s just me.

If you ever have the chance to see The Backseat Lovers live, even if you only know a song or two, I can’t recommend it enough. Their performance is a powerful reminder of everything I love about live music.