LOS ANGELES, CA- The Troubadour, an iconic Los Angeles venue, added yet another notch to its belt of legendary performances last Wednesday night. This time, it was the London-based band Good Neighbours who stopped by on their international tour, turning what could’ve been a quiet Wednesday into a night to remember. Known for hosting first tour stops and album release parties, the Troubadour’s storied walls were ready to embrace the band, fresh off an appearance on *Jimmy Kimmel Live* the night before.
As I walked into the venue, the energy was already buzzing. The crowd was a mix of all ages, from die-hard indie fans to people just looking to enjoy a midweek show. The stage was set in the most playful and charming way: cutouts of grass, flowers, and little houses, like something out of a whimsical storybook. When the band walked out to Mr. Rogers’ theme song, it was clear we were all in for a night that felt like a warm welcome home.
Before Good Neighbours took the stage, a talented young artist from Minnesota, Ber, got the crowd warmed up. She’s an indie-pop singer-songwriter with a knack for heartfelt storytelling and the ability to make you feel like she’s your best friend after just one song. As a fellow Minnesotan, I couldn’t help but smile at her stories about growing up in the Midwest, like how every teen learns the same piece of driving advice: “If a deer jumps out in front of your car, don’t swerve—just hit the deer!” Only a Midwesterner would understand that, and it had a few of us laughing out loud. Amazingly, she turned that quirky lesson into a song. It felt like she brought a little piece of home to the stage with her.
Ber’s stage presence was so natural; it felt like she’d been doing this for decades. She had the crowd in the palm of her hand, effortlessly breaking down the usual barriers between performer and audience. At one point, she had us all chanting back to her, “When I say cool, you say cool! When I say hot, you say hot!” By the time her set was over, the room was buzzing with excitement for what was to come.
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During the break between sets, I wandered through the packed venue, overhearing snippets of conversation—fans speculating about which songs Good Neighbours would play and sharing stories about how far they’d traveled to be there. One fan mentioned they drove all the way from San Diego, a solid two-hour trek, just for this show. I even saw a family spanning three generations, all proudly sporting “Won’t you be my neighbour” shirts. The air was thick with anticipation, and you could feel that something special was about to happen.
When Good Neighbours took the stage, the room exploded with energy. Walking out to Mr. Rogers’ theme song, their entrance set the perfect tone—warm, nostalgic, and full of joy. As soon as they launched into their set, it was impossible not to get swept up in the infectious energy. Scott and Oli danced around like kids on a sugar high, their movements so in sync with the music that it felt like the sound itself was carrying them. For a band that’s only been officially together since 2023, they have the kind of chemistry and stage presence that bands dream of after years of performing.
Their music has a way of creeping into your bones and settling there—the kind that leaves you humming for days. “Home,” their breakout hit, has already racked up over 270 million streams on Spotify, and after hearing it live, it’s easy to see why. With over 9 million monthly listeners, they’re reviving that irresistible indie-pop sound that ruled the late 2000s—think Phoenix, Passion Pit, and MGMT, but with a fresh twist.
One of the best parts of their set was the sneak peek we got at some of their new music—a special treat for those of us lucky enough to be there. They’re about to head back to the UK and Europe for the rest of their fall tour, and if you can score tickets, you’re in for a real treat. Their shows are the kind that leave you in a post-concert glow, the kind where you can’t help but hit replay on your favorite tracks as soon as you get home.
Speaking of treats—Good Neighbours threw in a cover of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” that absolutely slayed. They played the hell out of it. The crowd was loving every second, and I swear the whole room was bouncing along in time with the music. It was like dancing through a field of daisies—pure joy.
As the night drew to a close, it was impossible not to feel the warmth of the community that Good Neighbours brought with them. On what seemed like a random Wednesday, they reminded us all that no matter where we come from, we’re all neighbors, connected through the music we love. Walking out of the Troubadour, I felt like I’d just spent the evening in a backyard with friends, and that’s a feeling I’ll hold onto for a long time.
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