Faye Webster brought her Underdressed At The Symphony Tour to the stage at Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix on Sunday, captivating the crowd with her signature blend of laid-back melancholia and bittersweet charm. With Miya Folick opening the evening, the tour- which feels like a deep dive into personal stories and nuanced musicianship- did not disappoint fans of either artist.
Starting the night with the emotional depth and dynamic vocal range that Miya Folick is known for, the audience was quickly drawn in. Folick’s ethereal presence combined with her poignant lyricism set a beautifully, introspective tone for the evening. Her set, blending tracks from her 2023 album Roach and earlier releases, took the audience through a rollercoaster of emotions. There was a certain electricity in the air as Folick’s voice soared, effortlessly filling the theater with soulful soundscapes. It was the perfect prelude to Faye Webster’s deeply personal performance.
Opening her set with the intimate and yearning “But Not Kiss”, Webster’s vocals immediately transported the audience into her unique world of delicate emotional exploration. Dressed in her typically understated fashion, her presence felt almost as if she were singing directly to each member of the audience. The tour reflects Webster’s whimsical refusal to conform—both in style and sound—and this evening was no exception. The setlist spanned her catalog, offering highlights from her latest album as well as fan favorites from her earlier works. Songs like “Right Side of My Neck” and “Better Distractions” were crowd pleasers, as their lush, understated arrangements felt much bigger in the spacious theater.
A standout moment of the night was the debut of her unreleased track “After The First Kiss”, which hints at an even deeper introspection in her forthcoming work. The song showcases Webster’s growth as a songwriter, maintaining the wit and melancholic introspection her fans love while delving into new emotional territory. As she crooned, the theater seemed to pause and hang on every word of the new gem, giving fans a tantalizing preview of what’s to come.
One of the most endearing qualities about Webster is how at ease she appears on stage. Whether she’s glancing back at her band during instrumental breaks or joking with the audience between songs, her honesty and wit bring warmth to the performance. Moments like her playful delivery of “Cheers” and the light-hearted “Wanna Quit All the Time” brought laughter and knowing nods from the crowd. Tracks like “Jonny” and its reprise felt almost cinematic in scope, as her band filled the theater with a lush, immersive sound. The audience was particularly moved by “He Loves Me Yeah!” and “Kingston”, which were greeted with loud cheers. Both songs, with their lilting melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics, felt like the perfect capstone to an already magical evening. Each song seemed to speak directly to the hearts of the attendees, making for an unforgettable performance.
If this performance in Phoenix is any indication, Webster is solidifying herself as one of indie music’s most authentic and captivating voices. Her ability to connect with her audience through tender vulnerability, coupled with her understated stage presence, makes each show a personal experience, not just a concert. As the tour rolls on, Webster is continuing to prove that she’s an artist who isn’t afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve and is creating space for her listeners to do the same. For anyone lucky enough to catch her live, it’s an experience that lingers long after the last note is played.
