Review: Between Friends @ Paradise Rock Club 10/14

Photo Credit: The Cobrasnake

Review by Kyra Papillo

Recession pop is back and thriving. Headlining the release of their 2025 album “WOW!,” the musical sibling duo Between Friends delivered a sold-out show at the Paradise Rock Club. The pair first made waves in the industry in 2013 when they debuted on “America’s Got Talent.”

A few years later, Savannah and Brandon Hudson released their first single in 2017, titled “Suburban Wonderland.” As they have progressed within their sound, the pair has shifted from indie to techno/synth-pop, which has been a welcome transition. This album has encapsulated their flourishing dynamic in the industry and has remained one of my favorites throughout the year.

Creating an atmospheric feel, the opener VALÉ kick-started the show by engaging the audience in her song “lo tengo mal.” I hadn’t heard her music prior to this show, but I was able to get an authentic feel of her style from this song. 

Sometimes, openers just don’t match the feel of the headliners, which creates a dissonance among the audience’s reception. However, this was not the case. I think VALÉ was possibly the best opener for Between Friends. With the release of her first single just four years ago, VALÉ was able to gain the attraction of a wide audience. Originally from Colombia, she has a unique blend of R&B and Latin alternative pop, which has helped flourish her distinct sound. After her set, I immediately wanted to delve deeper into her music.

Once Savannah and Brandon Hudson took the stage, they opened the set with “You & Me Time.” Most of the songs on “WOW!” have an early 2000s club-inspired energy, which set the tone for the rest of the show. The visuals perfectly complemented their sound, combining flashing disco and strobe lights with immersive projections featuring Between Friends’ own camera work and infrared shots of the crowd.

As I’ve followed the tour coverage, I’ve loved seeing the different outfits Savannah Hudson showcases at each stop. For this show, she wore a glow-in-the-dark top and tutu that perfectly matched the vibe of the concert.

The sibling duo has mastered the skill of electronic production. Throughout most of their concert, I recognized samples from media that I hadn’t noticed or picked up on prior. During their performance of “Jackie,” I heard the Mario Kart theme track layered under the beat of the song, exemplifying the duo’s creativity and unique production.

Watching them perform felt like watching an artist at work, they exuded a coolness and commanded the stage in a manner that few artists can. At times, Brandon would live mix the music, while Savannah danced across the stage, taking up an impressive amount of space and attention. It genuinely was a life-changing experience.

While their audience interaction was limited, I think this was what their concert needed. Normally, I prefer when artists interact with their audience because it feels like a necessary stepping stone. But in Between Friends’ case, I would say it was quite the opposite. Their lack of interaction enhanced their essence of confidence, mystery and coolness. 

During my favorite song, “JAM !,” a staged glitch interrupted the performance. During this break, the siblings went backstage and the camera followed them. The duo drank Jack Daniel’s before returning back on stage to restart the song. It was clever, chaotic, and the perfect setup for one of their most party-like, high-energy tracks. As the beat started up again, the crowd danced their hearts out.

One of the most admirable qualities of the duo is their connection. It is clear that they love performing and trust each other, and their chemistry as a sibling duo is so heartwarming to see. Both of their skills create the diverse experience of Between Friends. 

To finish off their set, the pair played one of their most popular songs “affection” from their EP “we just need some time together” released in 2019. This is the song that introduced me to Between Friends, and was a pivotal point in their career. The track brought them a true audience eager to grow with the duo as they transition through sounds. The performance was a euphoric experience that the audience truly enjoyed. Between Friends are helping shape the current wave of experimental-pop, and I couldn’t be more excited to witness it.