Did someone say HOUSTON CITY LIMITS? Wet Leg and Japanese Breakfast brought a taste of their ACL Fest performances to the Lawn stage at White Oak Music Hall.
INOHA
Opening up the stacked lineup for the day was Texas’ own INOHA. Hailing from San Antonio the four piece effortlessly rocked through a rocking set despite the blazing Texas heat and sun joining them on stage. The band was all smiles as they ripped through song after song from their debut album from last year ALOHA INOHA for the early concert goers. The band constantly switches vocals between both guitars and bassist that all compliment each other so well and make for a high energy, fun performance. After a small run with Wet Leg, the band will be diving straight into their own headlining tour that isn’t one to be missed. – Heather Ann Phillips
Mary in the Junkyard
Up next, were the dreamy sounds of London’s own Mary In The Junkyard. The three piece is fronted by Clari Freeman-Taylor whose vocals are so soft and subtle sonically one minute then belts into dynamically loud and emotional vocals the next. Bassist Saya Barbaglia and drummer David Addison both make their presence known as well. The raw, pulsating basslines mixed with the tight rhythm of the drums make for a blend of perfect shoe gaze adjacent, mellow music that anyone could grow to love immediately. Formed during the pandemic, the band may be newer but is already making huge moves in the up and coming indie scene. – Heather Ann Phillips
SPELLLING
Alternative singer Spellling came on stage, ready to deliver a fun performance to rile up the crowd for headliners Wet Leg and Japanese Breakfast. Cabaral brought a fun and infectious energy to the stage, getting the audience excited for the night to ramp up. Spellling, consisting of Christia “Tia” Cabaral, plays with experimental pop sounds to blend together a fresh sound. She a variety of songs from her newest album “Portrait of My Heart”. If you’re looking for a fun and playful artist, that still provides their own uniqueness into their craft, check out Spellling. – Isha Merchant
Japanese Breakfast
Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast came on stage, ready to deliver a spectacular show. She was dressed in what looked like a huge net with little shells, which ties perfectly with her stage design representing Botecelli’s “The Birth of Venus” painting. Specifically, Zauner has pulled inspiration from the clam shell that, Venus (or Aphrodite, the goddess of love) emerges from in this artistic representation of her birth. This is in theme with her album “For Melancholy Women and Sad Brunnettes”, which, in certain tracks, pulls inspiration from various women in Greek mythology who were known for their romantic affairs. The love that Zauner has put into this album is clear in how she performs each song.
Although the album itself is a relatively slower paced album, making it more difficult to perform to big crowds, Zauner was able to engage the entire crowd with her amazing stage presence. Japanese Breakfast delivered a breathtaking performance as always. – Isha Merchant
Wet Leg
As the house lights went down, the stage filled with billowing smoke and Wet Leg made their way to the stage. Frontwoman Rhian Teasdale entered the center of the stage with both of her arms flexed and proceeded to show off her biceps as the band went right into their song “Catch These Fists.” The band’s newest album Mostiruizer was just released in July of this year but they had the crowd singing along just as loud to the newer tracks as they did with their older hits. The attendees on this humid Houston evening were treated to a nineteen song long set list from Wet Leg.
The English five piece had no trouble keeping the audience engaged as they dug into brand new pieces “Jennifer’s Body” and “Pond Song”. From the crunching guitars to the bashing of the drums all mixed in with the charm and pure beauty of Rhian’s demeanor and vocals, the night was not lacking for any good time. Instead of an encore, the band remained on stage and finished out the evening with their mega hit “Chaise Lounge” followed by an even bigger bop of “CPR.” Wet Leg is at the top of their game currently and their live performance is nothing short of raucous and rambunctious fun for both new and old fans of the band. – Heather Ann Phillips
I’m a Houston based photographer. Currently living in College Station with my fiancé and our four cats. I’ve been attending and photographing shows around the Houston area for over a decade. Some of my favorite artists are Sleigh Bells, Magdalena Bay, Knocked Loose and so many more. I love attending shows and documenting the moment.
I am a student at University of Houston currently studying Strategic Communications. In my free time, I write for different publications as I am extremely passionate about music. I collect vinyls, go to concerts, and play guitar. Some of my favorite artists include Paramore, Kendrick Lamar, and Lorde. On the weekends I make pottery, sew, and spend time with my dog.
