The Runarounds @ House of Blues 2/17

Photography by Anna Gohman

Review by Kyra Papillo

From fiction to reality, love for The Runarounds has surpassed internet obsession and transcended into selling out venues across the country. On Tuesday night, Boston’s House of Blues was packed with devoted fans, from watching their beloved band on the big screen to the in-person manifestation of The Runarounds. With a jam-packed setlist of songs pulled straight from their hit television show, fans were in for an unforgettable evening.

The Runarounds introduced hey i’m outside as one of their openers for the night, giving light to local Boston talent. Forming in 2023, hey i’m outside crafts a modern DIY indie, alt-country sound featuring Patrick McPherson on lead vocals and guitar, Hannah Fletcher on bass, and Noah Wisch on drums. Drawing from their 2024 self-titled debut album, the trio kick-started the evening on an infectiously positive note with their song “Frontyard.”

Aestrea, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, took the stage next, delivering a collection of songs that masterfully blend acoustic melodies, electric, and synth pop influences. Her stage presence was commanding and magnetic from the get-go. Her latest project began at the young age of fourteen, since then she’s been releasing music online and creating the aesthetic that is Aestrea. From self-producing and writing songs in her bedroom to opening for sold-out crowds, Aestrea is making headlines in the industry. One of the most memorable moments of her set was a cover of “Space Song” by Beach House, which aligned seamlessly with her dreamy aesthetic and sonic identity. 

When The Runarounds finally took the stage, they immediately captured the audience’s attention, arriving in coordinated cowboy hats that underscored their playful yet polished stage presence. Opening with their breakout track “Ghosts,” the band radiated an enormous amount of raw energy, setting the tone for the rest of the night. Between songs, each member took turns engaging with the crowd, sparking playful banter that kept the audience laughing and invested throughout. The chemistry between the bandmates was palpable and dynamic, merging both established and emerging artists who were assembled for a fictional project that has since taken on a very real life of its own. Anyone in the audience can recognize the authenticity in their dynamic. 

Notably, this show carried personal significance for one member of The Runarounds, Jesse Golliher, who originally is from Worcester, Massachusetts. Also known by his stage name Geskle, he’s known for having written a majority of the songs featured on the show. Welcomed by a crowd filled with friends and family, Golliher demonstrated the growth he’s achieved throughout his career.

As the night progressed, The Runarounds pivoted to a slower, emotionally charged power ballad titled “Arrhythmia (I Hope You Stay),” showcasing their impressive range as performers. The crowd responded, holding pieces of paper over their phone flashlights to create a glowing, communal display. Throughout the performance, individual solos highlighted each member’s distinct skill set, reinforcing just how much genuine talent exists within this group. Adding to the evening’s surprises, the band debuted an unreleased track that ignited the venue in roars. 

Paying homage to one of the TV show’s most iconic scenes, The Runarounds launched into a cover of Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” The audience clapped along, turning the venue into a dynamic atmosphere. Near the end of the set, the band filtered off-stage and was immediately summoned back by chants begging for “Season Two.” While they left this request unconfirmed, it’s been highly anticipated and is therefore likely for renewal. Nonetheless, the band emerged for their encore with a reinvigorated energy, closing the evening with a cover of “Valerie” by The Zutons and “Downtown.” The latter drew the band members to the front of the audience, making it an intimate and exhilarating finale that Boston’s House of Blues crowd cannot forget. 

While The Runarounds may have originated as a fictional band, everything about their live show feels completely and undeniably real. It’s a strange and beautiful tension, knowing that under any other circumstances this group would not exist, yet feeling, without question, that there is no world in which they do not.