The Regrettes — Red Amphitheatre in Raleigh, NC — July 18, 2023

It was a hot and sunny day in Raleigh, North Carolina and eager fans awaiting Yungblud to take the stage at the Red Hat Amphitheatre were greeted with one of the brightest and loveable bands out right now, hailing from Los Angeles, California; The Regrettes, consisting of Lydia Night (vocals, guitar), as well as Genessa Gariano (guitar), Brooke Dickson (bass) and Drew Thomsen (drums) as they took the stage with fashionable black and white outfits, their heads held high, daring stares, and smiles so contagious it was hard not feel seen and wanted by this influential band.

Starting off the set with “Nowhere” from their latest album Further Joy, the energy was evident and only elevated after each song. Lydia knows how to please a crowd and traverse across the stage with her elegant and smooth transitions between vocals and handling her guitar, it was like a calm but yet strong wave pulling in and out of shore gently but with such a seductive force it only left you wondering what she had up next. “Barely on My Mind” (also from Further Joy and one of their hit songs) shows off this group of best friends’ synergy and talents as they perform this song with such addicting energy and let loose on stage, while teasing each other and fans with loving gestures.

Throwing it back to their debut album Feel Your Feelings Fool!, they brought out their renown song “Seashore” from the depths– a coming-of-age like record, informing listeners that they’re not to be treated unequally and talked down upon like a child, that they have a mind of their own and a lot to say and not to try and speak over them. They can and will match your bad energy and redirect it back to you with much more vigor, making sure their enemies are checked and their voices heard. Wrapping the night up with one of my favorite pieces they’ve written, “Poor Boy” a stand alone single that radiates strong rock energy. Drew and Lydia even swapped places, as Drew took on the guitar mantle and Lydia with the sticks made for a fiery conclusion as Drew laid on his back absolutely shredding and kicking his feet in the air with extreme joy. The crowd was gleeful and filled the air with affectionate screams, The Regrettes are making their names and music known outside of the west coast with such tenacity it’s hard to miss.

Words & Photography: Isaiah Pate