Khruangbin @ The Heights Theater - Houston
November 5th 2025: Khruangbin, DJ Sun @ The Heights Theater - Houston, TX
Khruangbin | Photos Courtesy of: Violeta Alvarez
Small Stage, Big Soul: Khruangbin’s Intimate Houston Nights at The Heights Theatre
11/05/2025
Khruangbin always finds a way to make their hometown shows feel special. Just a few months ago, the band performed an intimate set at Cactus Records and a massive hometown show at The Woodlands Pavilion. This week, the Houston trio returned once again, this time for two sold-out nights at The Heights Theatre, an intimate 500-capacity venue. It was a rare chance to see them up close, in a space that could barely contain the crowd’s energy. From wall to wall, the room buzzed with anticipation; it was hard to breathe but impossible to leave.
Local legend DJ Sun opened the night, setting the tone with his signature blend of global grooves and Houston soul, a perfect prelude to the band’s eclectic sound. When Mark Speer, Laura Lee, and Donald “DJ” Johnson Jr. finally took the stage, they were met with joyous cheers that felt more like a family reunion than fandom.
Their hour-and-a-half set moved with effortless rhythm, blending psych-soul, funk, and slow-burn melodies that shimmered through the small room. Songs like “Maria También,” “White Gloves,” and “People Everywhere (Still Alive)” felt both familiar and new, filled with fresh energy and emotion.
There was no elaborate production, no spectacle, but just a moment of return. A decade into their journey, Khruangbin’s music continues to feel like home: rooted in the heart of Houston, timeless, and beautifully their own.
Viagra Boys @ White Oak Music Hall - Houston
October 30th 2025: Viagra Boys, The Black Lips @ White Oak Music Hall - Houston, TX
Viagra Boys | Photos Courtesy of: Violeta Alvarez
Viagra Boys Bring Raw Chaotic Honesty to Houston 10/30/2025 at White Oak Music Hall.
Viagra Boys brought The Infinite Anxiety Tour to White Oak Music Hall’s lawn on a beautiful fall night, filling the air with loud, gritty sounds and a contagious energy that felt as honest as it was chaotic. Blending punk attitude with pulsing synths, distorted basslines, and bursts of saxophone, the band turned the night into something raw and beautifully human.
Frontman Sebastian Murphy performed shirtless, dancing across the stage with a calm confidence. Between songs, he called the orange man a “fat f*** fascist”, drawing loud cheers from the Houston crowd. The moment was a shared honesty, unfiltered and without hesitation.
The audience sang along to favorites like Punk Rock Loser, Waterboy, and Sports, which Murphy introduced with an improvised song about Houston. New tracks from their latest album fit seamlessly with older ones, keeping the energy steady and unpredictable.
After the opener, Black Lips set the mood, Viagra Boys delivered what Houston didn’t know it needed: a night of beautiful chaos under the stars. It’s messy, loud, and completely alive.
Setlist
Man Made of Meat
Slow Learner
Waterboy
Punk Rock Loser
Uno II
Therapy
Ain't No Thief
Pyramid of Health
Troglodyte
You N33d Me
Cold Play
ADD
Medicine for Horses
Sports
(preceded by pretend improv song about Houston)
Research Chemicals
Encore:
Return to Monke
The Bog Body
Worms
The Black Lips
The Hives @ House of Blues - Houston
September 9th 2025: The Hives @ House of Blues Houston - Houston, TX
The Hives | Photos Courtesy of: Violeta Alvarez
The Hives returned to Houston for the first time since 2021, this time with Snooper opening. I only caught the end of Snooper’s set, but their high-octane punk energy set the stage perfectly for the night.
From the first note, The Hives proved why they’re one of the most electrifying live acts around. I photographed the first three songs from the pit, and in that short time, the band’s charisma was undeniable. Frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist was everywhere at once, working the stage, locking eyes with the crowd, and even stepping down into the audience straight from the photo pit to sing shoulder to shoulder with fans. Guitarist Nicholaus Arson matched him in intensity, slashing out riffs while leaning into the crowd, feeding off their energy. The connection between band and audience was raw and immediate.
Unfortunately, after the third song, I was trying to head upstairs to get overhead images, but I ended up stuck in the venue’s elevator for over an hour and twenty minutes. By the time the Houston Fire Department got me out of the elevator, the show had ended, and fans were leaving the venue.
Even with this mishap, the brief time I spent in the pit was enough to remind me: The Hives don’t just play shows, they create an experience that’s larger than life. The Hives don’t just perform, they ignite the room.
The Struts @ House of Blues - Houston
July 23rd, 2024: The Struts @ House of Blues - Houston, TX
Photos Courtesy of: Violeta Álvarez
Rock 'n' Roll Revival: The Struts Electrify Houston
After Hurricane Beryl's devastation that left over 2 million Houstonians without power for weeks during a record-breaking heat wave, the city was desperately in need of a pick-me-up, this concert was the perfect remedy for the city's weary spirits. On July 23, 2024, the British rockers, The Struts kicked off their Pretty Vicious Tour with a bang at Houston's House of Blues. Despite a looming flood watch, fans packed the venue, eager for a night of rock 'n' roll magic, bringing a much-needed dose of excitement to the Bayou City. And OH WOW, The Struts delivered!
From the moment the band hit the stage, the band's energy was magnetic. The band launched into "Bulletproof Baby," performed for the first time since 2019, the audience sang along to every word, creating a unified wave of voices that echoed through the venue. Frontman Luke Spiller, ever the showman, strutted across the stage with his signature moves, igniting the crowd with his charisma. The band draws influences from hints of Queen and David Bowie, which shone through in their performance, but The Struts have undeniably crafted their unique modern flair of sound and style.
The stage setup was nothing short of spectacular. A backdrop featuring iconic London historic buildings added a touch of the band's roots, while rows of illuminated amps lined the stage. Pillars of light and smoke effects created an atmosphere that was both intimate and larger-than-life. The dramatic stage lighting transformed the venue, giving it a stadium-like feel but without losing that cozy vibe.
Guitarist Adam Slack was on fire all night, his solos reaching new heights. The rhythm section of Jed Elliott on bass and Gethin Davies on drums provided a rock-solid foundation for the band's performances.
One of the most touching moments came when Spiller asked everyone to raise their phone lights, creating a sea of twinkling stars in the crowd. As he led the audience in a singalong, the connection between the band and fans was electric. Throughout the night, the House of Blues staff could be seen dancing along and I even spotted one of the security guards who couldn't resist playing air guitar. A particularly touching moment was when a father and son duo danced together, the young boy perched on his dad's shoulders, both lost in the music. It was a beautiful reminder of how music can unite people, transcending generations.
The setlist was a perfect mix of new tracks from their latest album "Pretty Vicious" and fan favorites. The crowd went wild for classics like "Could Have Been Me" and "Kiss This," while also embracing new gems like "Better Love," which made its live debut.
Thank you, The Struts, for bringing your shining light to Houston. This concert was exactly what the doctor ordered. After weeks of heat waves and power outages due to Hurricane Beryl, this was exactly the energy we needed. Your music and vibrant performance reminded us of the power of rock 'n' roll to heal and uplift. Houston can't wait to welcome you back!
Vampire Weekend @ 713 Music Hall - Houston
June 6th, 2024: Vampire Weekend, La Lom @ 713 Music Hall - Houston, TX
Photos Courtesy of: Violeta Álvarez
Vampire Weekend Brings Their Vibrant Music Exploration to Houston
Kicking off their new tour in Houston on Thursday night June 6, 2024, Vampire Weekend delivered a captivating performance that spanned their eclectic catalog of indie rock and world music influences that was a music exploration. From the moment LA opener La Lom warmed up the crowd with their surf rockabilly sound, the atmosphere at 713 Music Hall buzzed with anticipation.
When Vampire Weekend took the stage, they opened simply as a three-piece in front of a giant backdrop bearing the band's name transitioning to a grand production as Vampire Weekend dived into their repertoire. Their expanded lineup, a seven-piece touring ensemble, infused the venue with a chamber orchestra of indie rock world sounds. The addition of an interpretive dancer, combined with the band's diverse instrumentation including piano, violin, saxophone, pedal steel, bass, acoustic and electric guitar, and two drummers, produced a dynamic symphony of sound that fully engaged and captivated the audience.
As the night unfolded, Vampire Weekend's music traversed their sound from one vibe to the next - a bit jazzy here, an 80s electronic tinge there, next grinding out an edgy indie rock sound oozing NYC attitude, to haunting melodies that tugged at the heartstrings then back to their world indie pop twangy surf sound. Lead singer Ezra Koenig's tender pop vocals were highlighted by the band's masterful instrumentation, creating a dynamic interplay of sound and emotion.
An equally imaginative stage design and lighting complemented the varied musical ensemble. The crew, dressed as construction workers, created a visual backdrop resembling an underground tunnel construction site. The lighting effects brought about dramatic phase shifts, from bathing the band in blue to green-hued melancholy to synchronizing strobes with pummeling rhythms.
Songs like "Hannah Hunt" and "Hope" emerged as poignant highlights of the evening, resonating with tracks like "Oxford Comma." Ezra Koenig's introspective lyrics struck a chord with the crowd, infusing the performance with emotional depth. The encore brought a delightful surprise as Koenig engaged the audience for song requests, resulting in spirited covers of "1901" by Phoenix, "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House, and a snippet of "Wonderwall" by Oasis, revealing Vampire Weekend's playful spirit.
Throughout the night, the crowd of fans was filled with happiness, dancing and cheering, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and excitement. From the vibrant world indie rock sound and electric energy of their anthemic pop highs to the wistful horns to tugging at the heartstrings, Vampire Weekend's Houston show captured their unique ability to deliver an unbound live sonic exploration experience that both electrified and soothed in the same breath. Their seamless shapeshifting between styles and eras made for a mesmerizing performance that electrified and delighted the devoted Houston fans.
SETLIST
Mansard Roof
Holiday
Ice Cream Piano
Classical
Capricorn
Connect
Prep-School Gangsters
White Sky
Unbelievers
This Life
Sunflower
2021
Unbearably White
Flower Moon
Campus
Oxford Comma
Gen-X Cops
Diane Young
Cousins
A-Punk
Mary Boone
Hannah Hunt
Harmony Hall
Hope
ENCORE
1901 (Phoenix cover)
Don't Dream It's Over (Crowded House cover)
Wonderwall (Oasis cover)
Walcott
La Lom
Taking Back Sunday @ White Oak Music Hall - Houston
May 26th, 2024: Taking Back Sunday @ White Oak Music Hall - Houston, TX
Taking Back Sunday - Photos Courtesy of: Brittaney Penney
Taking Back Sunday rolled through Houston on their most recent North American Tour in celebration of their new album, 152. It was a humid night, but that didn’t stop TBS fans from packing the White Oak Music Hall lawn!
If you aren’t familiar with Taking Back Sunday, they have been a band for over 20 years and have sold millions of albums all across the world. You might know two of their most played tracks, “MakeDamnSure” and “Cute Without The ‘E’ (Cut From The Team)”. If you aren’t familiar with them, I highly recommend taking the time to listen to their discography. With 8 full-length studio albums, there is bound to be a song that you’ll like!
It was amazing to see Taking Back Sunday live and performing all of their hit songs. The set list was a great mix of fan favorites, while also adding in songs from their newest album. “Amphetamine Smiles” and “Quit Trying” were our personal favorites from the album, 152, and it was so nice to finally hear those live.
If you haven’t been able to make it to see TBS when they are on tour, we highly recommend you find a show near you and attend! The energy between the band and the fans in the crowd is something to behold.
Interpol @ Bayou Music Center - Houston
May 5th, 2024: Interpol, Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado @ Bayou Music Centers - Houston, TX
Interpol - Photos Courtesy of: Violeta Álvarez
"Interpol's Euphoric Evening at Bayou Music Center in Houston"
On the night of May 5th, 2024, at the Bayou Music Center, was one to remember for music fans in Houston. Interpol who is the legendary indie rock band from New York City, came through town and fans could hardly contain their excitement. It was a rare treat to see them live, especially after their massive concert in Mexico City's historic Zócalo Square, where they played for 160,000 fans. That connection meant a lot, especially to Paul Banks' deep ties to Mexico for over twenty years.
Latin Grammy winner Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado, an Argentine indie rock band from La Plata, Buenos Aires, took the stage as the second act. Their graceful and emotional performance, reminiscent of Pixies and The Velvet Underground, struck a chord with the audience and set the mood for the night.
As Interpol took the stage to a packed house, they opened a night of music that seamlessly illustrated their artistic growth over the years. From the opening song "C'mere" to "Evil" and closing with the encore finale of "PDA,". Interpol's immersive sound mesmerized the crowd effortlessly transiting between songs as the smoky haze in a trance-like atmosphere left a lasting impact.
Frontman Paul Banks exuded an undeniable swagger and coolness on stage, his haunting vocals effortlessly connecting with the enraptured crowd. He offered a heartfelt acknowledgment to the openers in Spanish which was a charming touch that delighted the audience. Alongside him, Daniel Kessler's energetic guitar work and infectious dance moves, paired with riveting drumming, added layers of dynamism and depth, anchoring the band's musical realm with precision and flair.
The visual exhibition was meticulously curated, with lights enriching the overall experience and adding to the captivating atmosphere that left the audience in awe. As the crowd chanted for an encore, Interpol reappeared, surprising fans with a nostalgic performance of "Pace is the Trick" a song revived live for the first time since 2008, sending longtime fans into raptures of delight.
As the final notes faded into the night, there was a bittersweet realization that the evening was coming to an end. Yet Interpol's nostalgic vibe rekindled cherished recollections of my days living in New York City. I was flooded with fond memories of the late 90s and early 2000s, when the iconic Luna Lounge was our sanctuary – sipping champagne in the basement with friends, hanging out on Ludlow Street, living, and breathing the very indie rock scene that Interpol played such a pivotal role in shaping. Those were the halcyon days, and for a few transcendent hours, Interpol transported us back to that magical era, reminding us why we fell in love with their music in the first place.
Interpol had once again effortlessly captivated the audience with their beautiful songs and irresistible stage presence, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who were present. It was an unforgettable magical performance.
Setlist
C'mere
Say Hello to the Angels
My Desire
Take You on a Cruise
Into the Night
Obstacle 1
Lights
Pioneer to the Falls
The Rover
All the Rage Back Home
Rest My Chemistry
Toni
NYC
Evil
The New
Slow Hands
Encore:
Pace is the Trick
(First time played live since 2008)
No, I in Threesome
PDA
Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado
Dylan Gossett @ House of Blues - Houston
April 16th, 2024: Dylan Gossett @ House of Blues - Houston, TX
Dylan Gossett - Photos Courtesy of: Brittaney Penney
It was a humid, Tuesday night when we headed over to the House of Blues in Houston for Dylan Gossett’s show. It seemed the entire city was out and ready to jam out with Dylan and his touring band.
If you are not familiar with Dylan Gossett, he is a country singer-songwriter, hailing from Austin, Texas. So although this wasn’t his hometown show, we are close enough that it felt that way! He had a lot of his family and friends in the crowd, which made it feel even more special that he sold out the Bronze Peacock room at HOB.
Not only is he on a massive upward trajectory, you’d think Dylan had been releasing music for his entire life, but his first official release was only in 2023. It just goes to show that if you really believe in something or know what you want to do with your life, just do it. You never know where it will take you!
We were incredibly impressed with Dylan and the way he was able to captivate the fans in the audience. Everyone was hanging onto his every word and it was beautiful to witness. Our favorite songs from his set were
: “Coal,” “Beneath Oak Trees,” and “To Be Free.”
We will be keeping an eye out for Dylan Gossett and his upcoming releases and tour. Next time he is in Texas, we’ll be front row cheering our fellow Texans on!
