The Backseat Lovers at Paramount Theater

We’re always curious about new bands that get a lot of buzz around their performances and tonight we headed to Paramount Theater to catch one of them. The Backseat Lovers have charmed their followers and keep receiving praise with every release. Formed in 2018, the band consists of lead singer/guitarist Joshua Harmon, guitarist Jonas Swanson, drummer Juice Welch and bassist KJ Ward.

The alt-rockers released their first major label debut record, Waiting to Spill, last year. Tonight was the second stop of their seven week long U.S. tour and we were thrilled to be a part of it. The stage was dressed with a large carpet in the front and the back was raised a little more for the Welch to be seen from a distance. Next to him a sign lit up with the word, Wait. The background was covered by a large piece of white cloth that served as a prop for their lights, reflections, and shadows.

The night kicked off with “Know Your Name,” “Pool House,” “Growing/Dying,” and “Heavy.” The moody lights created the vibe for the night as warm tones lit up the space and brought the story of each song to life. Harmon chatted with the fans a few times memorably  asking if anyone there was from Kirkland, mentioning after that he was actually born there but he forgets it sometimes. Highlights included favorites, “Maple Syrup,” and “Kirby Girl,” and Harmon being carried by the crowd playing his guitar during “Still a Friend,” for the main set closer.

Harmon also jumped down in the pit to grab some flowers that fans had for them in the front row and then returned to the stage and gave one to each of the other band members. For the encore Harmon took the stage alone with a guitar and played “Snowbank Blues,” as the fans lit up their cell phone lights. Then Swanson joined him to sing “Words I’ve Used,” and play the keyboard.

After that Harmon asked the crowd if they want to have one more rock and roll moment for the night and everyone cheered him on as the rest of the band joined them. Their set ended with “Sinking Ship,” as the sound echoed in the space filling the room full of adoring fans. Many people rocked back and forth as the night came to an end, full of satisfaction and being able to catch their favorite band. We can’t wait to see them again when they return.

Words and photos: Sophia Barkalakis @s.barkalakis