FLORENCE ROAD PACKS THE TROUBADOUR FOR A NIGHT OF INSTANT HITS
THE TROUBADOUR - LOS ANGELES, CA
Ireland’s favorite rising alternative band, Florence Road, hit Los Angeles’ iconic Troubadour on September 23rd for a sold-out night of their headline tour. The Wicklow-born four-piece has quickly become one of the most exciting acts to emerge over the last year or so, and on their own merit, as well as with the help of opening slots for artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Wolf Alice, and The Last Dinner Party, they’ve quickly developed a strong following. This was made abundantly clear on Wednesday night, where fans packed like energetic sardines into the 500-capacity venue—probably one of the last times Flo Ro will be playing a venue of this size.
I also have to give a shoutout to People I’ve Met, who opened the night with an incredible set. The New York alternative rock trio had great energy for the crowd and added an elevating element of ethereal, dream-like indie flavor. I hadn’t heard of them before, so this was definitely a great discovery thanks to Florence Road.
Florence Road opened with “7563,” their latest release and an incredible, high-energy kick-off to a night that would soon be filled with jumping, dancing, and the occasional sway. The track is an excellent representation of what the band is capable of. Their music is a delicious blend of distinctive lyricism, grooving instruments, and tumbling choruses primed for an angsty drive down the coast.
Without having yet released a full-length studio album, Flo Ro didn’t miss a beat as they seamlessly wove together their discography. Their set consisted of their latest EP, Spring Forward, fan-favorite singles, and unreleased material like “Surprise Surprise,” which was such a fun and interactive moment in the night. My personal highlights were, of course, “Rabbits Can Swim” and finally hearing “Figure It Out” live, since that was the song that put them on my radar. I also—along with the rest of the crowd, let’s be honest—could not hold back my singing when it came time for “Miss” and “Hanging Out to Dry.” These tracks are hall-of-famers.
Florence Road wraps up their North American dates in early October, but they’ll be heading back to Ireland with a number of shows through the end of the year. This is a band that is on the cusp of something huge, and I cannot believe I had the opportunity to see them in such an intimate venue. If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to their EP Spring Forward and their latest release and my new obsession, “7563.” Be sure to keep an eye on their socials for upcoming tour dates to catch one of their 2026 shows!
