Whitney soar back to peak form on new single, "Darling"
With their latest single “Darling,” Chicago duo Whitney—comprising Max Kakacek and Julien Ehrlich—return to the introspective warmth that first captivated listeners on their 2016 debut, Light Upon the Lake. Released on May 28, 2025, this concise track marks their first new music since 2023's Spark and serves as a poignant prelude to their upcoming North American tour .
Clocking in at just under three minutes, “Darling” is a testament to the power of brevity in songwriting. The track opens with Ehrlich’s tender falsetto, delivering lyrics that grapple with the complexities of parting ways. Midway through, the song transitions into a second act, embracing acceptance and closure—a structure the band likens to the emotional succinctness found in artists like Dolly Parton or Big Star.
The instrumentation is characteristically Whitney: understated yet evocative. Gentle guitar strums and subtle horn accents create a sonic backdrop that complements the song's reflective mood. This minimalist approach allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to take center stage, resulting in a track that feels both intimate and expansive.
“Darling” not only harkens back to Whitney's roots but also signals a new chapter for the band. Their upcoming tour, featuring dates across North America, promises to showcase this evolution. Notable stops include performances at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on July 16 and in Berkeley on July 19, as well as a set at the Osheaga Festival in Montreal on August.
In “Darling,” Whitney delivers a masterclass in emotional economy, crafting a song that resonates deeply despite—or perhaps because of—its brevity. It's a compelling reminder of the band's ability to distill complex feelings into simple, beautiful melodies. The band is back and we’re already ready for more. Catch them at a show this summer by checking out the tour dates below to see if they’re coming to a show near you.
TOUR:
w/ Folk Bitch Trio*
Supporting Caamp#
Supporting Shakey Graves%
06.12 - Jacobs Pavilion - Cleveland, OH#
06.14 - MGM Music Hall at Fenway - Boston, MA#
06.15 - MGM Music Hall at Fenway - Boston, MA#
06.18 - Westville Music Bowl - New Haven, CT#
06.20 - The Anthem - Washington, DC#
06.21 - The Anthem - Washington, DC#
07.09 - Avondale Brewing Company - Birmingham, AL%
07.10 - Firefly Distillery - North Charleston, SC%
07.11 - The Ritz - Raleigh, NC%
07.12 - Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre - Wilmington, NC%
07.13 - Maymont - Richmond, VA#
07.16 - Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA#
07.18 - Santa Barbara Bowl - Santa Barbara, CA#
07.19 - Greek Theatre - Berkeley, CA#
07.20 - The Hangar - South Lake Tahoe, CA
07.23 - The Elm - Bozeman, MT
07.24 - The Granary - Salt Lake City, UT#
07.25 - Washington's FoCo - Fort Collins, CO
07.26 - Fiddlers Green Amp - Greenwood Village, CO#
07.30 - State Theatre - Portland, ME*
07.31 - Higher Ground - Burlington, VT*
08.02 - Osheaga Festival - Montreal, QC*
08.04 - Tree House Brewing Charlton - Charlton, MA*
08.05 - Levitate Backyard Outdoor Concert Series - Marshfield, MA*
08.06 - Stone Church - Brattleboro, VT*
08.07 - Levon Helm Studios - Woodstock, NY*
08.08 - The Recher - Towson, MD*
08.09 - The National - Richmond, VA*
08.10 - The Stone Pony - Asbury Park, NJ*
08.12 - Anthology - Rochester, NY*
08.13 - Hi-Fi Annex - Indianapolis, IN*
08.14 - Grog Shop - Cleveland, OH*
08.15 - Bell's Eccentric Cafe - Kalamazoo, MI
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