Review: DWLLRS @ The Sinclair 3/2

Photo credit: Harlen Cruz

Review by Sophia Blair

I knew it was going to be a good show when I found a lucky penny, heads up, at my feet after I settled into my spot in the crowd. I was right near the stage, and in the middle of an audience buzzing with excitement for DWLLRS, the coastal Californian indie-pop duo created by Bren Eissman and Joey Spurgeon. The openers, Delaney Miller and Doan, set the perfect tone for the night, easing us into the dreamy vibe of the evening. The crowd around me was full of kind faces; some had heard of DWLLRS from their opening gigs with Claire Rozinkrantz, others from TikTok or word of mouth. “Their songs just make me feel good,” one audience member said. And it was easy to see why. Bren and Joey were more than just performers, they were friends connecting with their audience on a personal level.

When they hit the stage, it was clear from the start that their energy was infectious. The background was alive with a montage of home-video-style clips, adding to the nostalgic, feel-good vibe that defines their sound. At times, it felt like karaoke, with lyrics projected on screens so the whole crowd could sing along as if we were all part of the show. The setlist unfolded seamlessly, with songs that had everyone dancing and singing at full volume. “Cameraman” kicked things off with blue lights, slowly setting the tone, before they dove into the upbeat “Driving,” with red lights pulsing through the crowd, everyone singing along like it was their own personal anthem.

Bren’s voice soared during “I Hate You (You Hate Me),” a song where he thrived in his theatrical element, moving across the stage with an energy that made every moment feel larger than life. The audience could feel the raw emotion of tracks like “Ease,” where blue and purple lights flashed as Bren belted out the chorus, dancing freely across the stage with Joey, whose steady guitar playing anchored the performance. The night’s vibe only amped up with “Perfume,” as everyone’s hands were in the air, jumping and dancing together. The crowd went wild when the first notes of “Blue Spirits” played—the viral hit that brought many of us here, including me. The moment Bren picked up the ukulele and the beat dropped, it was pure magic.

The night wasn’t a one-sided performance. Rather, it was a conversation between DWLLRS and their fans. At one point, the crowd begged for “Iced Coffee,” a song that had been cut from the setlist. In a spontaneous move, they honored the request, playing it to the delight of everyone in the room. It was moments like this that made the show feel like an intimate gathering—DWLLRS working in perfect harmony with their audience. As the night wore on, the energy never dipped, from the high-energy “TTYLSOS” to “I Don’t Wanna Feel (This Way),” where Bren’s raw vulnerability came through in every note.

A particular highlight of the evening was “We’re Doing Fine,” a seemingly happy song despite its emotional roots. Bren shared how the song was inspired by the loss of his sister in a tragic accident, and how music became his healing force. It was a touching moment, one that deepened the connection between the band and the crowd.

The show reached its emotional peak during “This Heaven’s Tall,” where Bren’s soaring vocals were matched by Joey’s cool guitar riffs, the two of them jamming together in a way that felt like they’d been making music together for lifetimes. The night ended with the ultimate high, when the entire room sang along to “Nights That We Needed,” bringing all the openers and friends onstage for a collective moment of celebration. It was the perfect way to end the night, with a warm, one-love energy that left everyone smiling as we left the venue.

After the show, I had the chance to chat with Bren and Joey about their journey. DWLLRS, which started as jam sessions in their Vanguard University dorm room, has evolved into an indie-pop project with a unique sound that resonates deeply with fans. Their music is a blend of infectious melodies and raw vulnerability, a combination that comes alive even more in their live performances. Bren, with his background in musical theater, brings a high-energy, theatrical element to the stage, while Joey’s grounded musicianship keeps their sound cohesive and authentic.

When I asked them to describe their sound in three words, Bren went with “indie, pop, alternative,” while Joey said, “vulnerable, hopeful, and vibey.” And “vibey” was exactly what it was! DWLLRS is all about creating an immersive, emotional experience, where every song feels like a journey. We also had a good laugh over some inside jokes from the tour, including the man, myth, and legend Max Velocity, the weatherman who had become a bit of an icon among the band and their crew.

As their first-ever tour, The Cameraman Tour, continues across the U.S. and Canada, DWLLRS is just getting started. Their upcoming second album and deluxe version are already in the works, and if tonight was any indication, they’re only going to get bigger and better.