Indie band, The Walters, stopped at White Oak Music Hall on November 8, 2023, on their southern U.S. Tour. The show was accompanied by garage punk artist, Ron Gallo. With a total of five stops in Texas, Houston had the lucky chance of being the first one.
Stepping on stage with a scroll in hand, Ron Gallo kicked off the show in an entertaining and humorous manor. While reading off the scroll, he started his set by introducing himself along with his band, and thanking The Walters for having them on tour.
The band played, many songs that got the crowd jumping, pumping them up for the rest of the night. From “YUCCA VALLEY MARSHALLS,” to “All the Punks are Domesticated,” Ron Gallo, gave an absolutely rocking performance. When the artist asked if they could play two more songs, the crowd responded with, “Play three!”
Entering the stage nonchalantly, The Walters gave warm greetings to the crowd as they got ready to start their set. As the rest of the members prepared their instruments, lead singer, Luke Olsen, took the time to wave to different areas of the audience as they cheered loudly for the band. He also made sure to high-five his bandmates before beginning the set. Despite the laid-back energy first presented to the crowd, the next hour was incredibly energetic and full of life.
The show kicked off with tunes such as “Goodbye Baby,” “Sweet Marie” and “She’s Gonna Leave You.” With the crowd singing the words of each song, the love between the audience and the group was felt throughout the entire venue. It was also extra special because the show doubled as a birthday bash for the member the band was named after, Walter Kosner. As the lead singer and other two members, Danny Wells (bass) and Charlie Ekhaus (drums), sang for the lead guitarist, the crowd happily joined in.
Other songs played included, “Cottage Roads,” “Life” and newest release, “By the Water.” Each song was accompanied by shimmering lights and dancing from both the band and the audience.
Towards the end of the show, Olsen spoke a little about the band’s journey and how they got to be where they are today. He explained after the group’s initial breakup in 2017, the members did not speak to each other for about four or five years, until they woke up on a random morning to find their song spreading all across TikTok. Because of that song, the group decided to give it another try. That is when their top hit, “I Love You So,” started and the audience sang every single word.
The rest of the night was just as fun as the rest of the performance. From songs like “Old Friend,” and a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, The Walters gave fans an amazing show that left the them wishing for more.
I am from Houston, Texas and currently attending the University of Houston as a marketing major! From attending concerts, playing guitar, and collecting vinyl, I love anything that has to do with music. Some of my favorite artists include The Strokes, Omar Apollo, and boygenius. Besides that, I really like shopping, watching Pitch Perfect, and discovering new places in Houston!
