Backseat Lovers have been steadily building their success, songs blowing up on TikTok and a reputation for their live shows. I’ve followed them for a while but hadn’t had the chance to see them live until this weekend. Seeing their name on the Shaky Knees bill was a thrill, and their set was well worth the wait.

They opened with an instrumental jam that started slow and heavy, the heartbeat coming from Juice Welch’s drums, a thump-thump building into a gallop. Then KJ Swanson stepped forward with a quick but piercing guitar solo that sent the crowd over the edge. A rewarding start of the band jamming and having fun before they launched into “Pool House,” which drove everyone crazy. Joshua Harmon smiled back at us after the song, clearly feeding off the crowd’s energy.

Harmon joked about losing his voice and asked us not to make fun of him if it cracked. It didn’t matter—outside of the new material they’re working on, the crowd knew every lyric and carried him through. It was quite special to see guitarist Jonas Swanson take lead vocals on one of the new songs. I didn’t realize he could sing as well.

Their whole set felt like a living room show that was bathed in warm light, cozy, and intimate, even on a festival field. There was a pause of hesitation before they teased “Kilby Girl,” the bassist and Harmon facing off, smiling as they played the opening notes. The crowd lost it, screaming across the park, and when they launched into the song, not a single person was quiet. They ended with a shredding guitar solo that left the crowd stunned. Harmon stepped up to the mic, then back, laughing as the cheers rose again.

It was a humble, joyful set from a band whose rise feels inevitable. I’m glad I finally caught them live, and I’m even more excited for their new album.

Review by: David Saxum; Photo by Roger Ho/Shaky Knees

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The Backseat Lovers Bring Intimacy to the Stage at Shaky Knees 2025