Alt-pop’s best-kept secret is The Wldlfe. I first found them when they released “Oversentimental” in 2017, and every time they release a new album or EP, they just keep getting better and better. They are honestly so underrated, and all of their songs feature catchy melodies and immaculate production that translate seamlessly to the stage, sounding just as good live as they do on their recordings.
Seeing that level of musicality in an intimate venue made their show at the Voodoo Room at The House of Blues in San Diego on October 24 feel even more special. Kick Back started off the night with almost nowhere to move on the stage. Despite the tight quarters, they made the most of their set by singing their original songs and throwing in a few covers. In a fun moment, they mentioned their guitarist was writing a song but was a little shy, so he turned around and danced as he played the guitar, which got some giggles from the crowd.
Next up was Landon Conrath, who I had also discovered a few years ago but have never seen live. Singing some of his most popular tracks like “Papercuts” and “2AM,” he got the crowd moving even more before the headliner. During the set, he admitted that while he’s played San Diego a few times, he’s never had the chance to actually discover it. His set delivered fun indie-pop hits with effortless energy, and I recommend adding some of his songs to your playlist if you haven’t listened to him before!
Once the lights went out for The Wldlfe, “Life Is A Highway” by Rascal Flatts played in full. As the song went on, I think the whole crowd wondered when they would hit the stage, as the lights remained off the whole time, but I think that added to the anticipation. They hit the stage playing “Ruby,” and instantly the crowd started to dance and sing. When they played “Box,” they included a little snippet of Hannah Montana’s “Best of Both Worlds,” catching everyone off guard.
The band is made up of brothers Jansen and Carson Hogan, and Jack Crane. This tour felt like a long-awaited milestone, as Jansen had mentioned they just realized that day, only a few hours before the show, that they haven’t headlined San Diego in 10 years. I have never gotten the chance to see them live, so I’m very glad I got the chance to see this tour. I remained speechless throughout their set as I realized their songs translate incredibly well live. As they played “What If You Change,” which is probably my favorite song of theirs, the whole crowd was moving even more than before, and I found myself yelling the lyrics back as well.
Their performance continued to have an effortless flow as they played song after song. Towards the end of the set, they brought out a tiny wheel for a fan in the crowd to spin, which would decide what they play next. The one it landed on was a new song, “Parachute,” off their most recent album, Revolver, 2026. To close out the night, they treated the room to the title track, “Revolver,” before playing their final song, “Somebody’s Gonna Love You.” The amazing set left everyone in the Voodoo Room hopeful that San Diego won’t have to wait another 10 years to see them headline again.
If the “Long Way Home” tour is coming to a city near you, I absolutely recommend attending; you will not be disappointed! Dates can be found below, and tickets can be found here.
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