Whitney Deliver Pure Bliss at Los Angeles' Regent Theater
It had been years since Whitney had graced the stage in Los Angeles (We still have flashbacks from standing in the pit at The Wiltern in 2019 with an entire string and horn section to accompany them), but the band made a triumphant return to The Regent Theater on March 30th, 2023. As the crowd eagerly awaited their arrival, Shannon Lay's opening set had set a beautiful tone for the night with her stunning voice and heartfelt lyrics. Once Whitney took the stage, the audience was transported to a world of indie rock bliss.
The band kicked off their set with the same signature blend of indie rock, soul, and folk that fans have come to love, with Julien Ehrlich's crooning vocals and Max Kakacek's soaring guitar solos immediately captivating the audience. From the opening notes of "No Matter Where We Go" it was clear that Whitney was at the top of their game, delivering a spellbinding performance that had the audience singing and swaying along to every song.
As the band worked their way through a carefully curated setlist, featuring hits like "Golden Days" and "Polly," as well as deeper cuts like "Giving Up" and "The Falls," their musicianship was on full display. The addition of a horn section on select songs added an extra layer of richness and complexity to the band's already lush sound, and each member displayed their individual talents while working seamlessly together to create a cohesive whole.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly "No Woman," which had the entire crowd belting out the lyrics with abandon. But every song was a standout in its own right, delivered with precision and passion by a band that clearly loves what they do. Ehrlich and Kakacek's dynamic interplay was a joy to watch, with the two musicians feeding off each other's energy and creating a palpable sense of excitement on stage.
Overall, Whitney's set at The Regent Theater was a tour de force of indie rock excellence. The band's exceptional musicianship and undeniable showmanship left the audience begging for more, and it's clear that Whitney is a band that's only getting better with time. If you have the chance to catch them on tour, don't hesitate – you won't be disappointed.
Review & Photos by: Zak Sender
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