Towards the beginning of the month, Atlanta singer-songwriter Faye Webster released her fifth studio album, Underdressed at the Symphony. Since its release, the ten-track project has been growing on her fans, its relaxed jam band and lounge stylings inviting listeners into a cozy yet contemplative space. It is an album that pulls you in deeper with each song, encouraging you to lean into the flourishing harmonies, hushed vocals, or dreamy instrumentals. While it sets the tone for a chill night in, it also brings fans together for a memorable night out, as witnessed on the first date of Faye’s Underdressed at the Symphony US Tour.
The sold-out show at St. Petersburg, Florida’s Jannus Live began with gritty punk band Upchuck. Despite their flowy Hawaiian shirts, the group was full of festering rage and pent-up emotions, counteracting the mellow vibes that attendees were expecting from Faye’s set. They played favorites from 2023’s Bite The Hand That Feeds, like “Crashing,” and from 2022’s Sense Yourself, like “Facecard” and “Perdido,” giving the crowd a wide range of songs to dance, yell, or mosh to. Screams erupted from the sea of concertgoers each time Upchuck started or ended a song, everyone eager and hungry for what the band would do next. It was an overall cathartic experience, and the excitement from Upchuck’s set hung in the air long after the band left the stage and the warm and cool colors of the overhead lights turned to black.
Faye Webster and her band came out to tumultuous applause from the crowd, taking the stage with a sense of ease and grace. Above the folksy electric guitar, smooth beats from the drums, and dulcet sounds of the saxophone, Faye poured her heart out, singing songs of love and heartbreak. She enchanted the crowd with old and new hits, from the diaristic “I Know I’m Funny haha” to the upbeat “Feeling Good Today.” With so many people in attendance, the potential of drowning out Faye’s softspoken vocals with too much light chatter was great. However, you could hear the sound of a pin drop during each song, as everyone was focused on every note, every lyric. At the same time, they were more than ready to sing along when given the chance, their voices coming together to accompany Faye on “In A Good Way” or “Jonny.” It seemed as if the night could go on forever, all of us swaying and watching and listening in unison. But, after a tender performance of “Kingston,” Faye waved to the crowd and made a subtle exit. It was a smooth finish to a seamless set, making the opening night of the Underdressed at the Symphony US Tour a success.
FAYE WEBSTER
UPCHUCK
Photos + Review by Christine Sloman | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!