HAFFWAY BRINGS THE WITHER TOUR TO LOS ANGELES
MOROCCAN LOUNGE — LOS ANGELES, CA
Haffway brought his first-ever headlining WITHER TOUR to the Moroccan Lounge this past Thursday night. Singer-songwriter Sam Westhoff, the creative mind behind Haffway, is also known for his work with notable artists such as Dermot Kennedy and Shaboozey. However, tonight was a showcase for his newest album, Wither, a cathartic compilation of gut-wrenching lyrics alongside dynamic harmonies that are left begging to be replayed.
In the words of Westhoff, “we’re going to get sad, we’re going to get sadder, and we’re going to go home.” That is exactly what was delivered. The night ebbed and flowed, representing the complexity of emotions that are highlighted throughout the album. From lyrics that cut you to your core, such as in "Deep End", to the textured harmonies of "Rest In Peace"and the ethereal simplicity of "Alpenglow", I have never been so elated to be left in such despair.
In between songs, Westhoff takes a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought him to where he is today. He dives into the intense feelings of burnout that almost led him to quit music altogether, mentioning that he was simply going to get a job at Lowe’s. With his wife urging him to begin writing for himself, this blossomed into the solo-project that later became Haffway (let’s all say thank you to Abi).
The night carries on, with the audience entranced by every note. Accompanied by pal Jesse Purdue on the drums, the duo delivered punch after punch with a sprinkle of surprises, such as a stripped-down cover of "Sugar, We're Going Down". With a bare-bones setup, no barrier between the fans and the stage, the venue became filled with a sense of community. All around, strangers became friends, with groups intertwining to enjoy the melodies in front of them. The evening flows with tracks such as "Sold The Boat" (a personal favorite) and "East Coast", a song that Westhoff prefaced his nerves before performing. Despite the lyrics, the echoes of the crowd only continued to swarm, solidifying Los Angeles’s admiration for the singer.
After spending the past year supporting acts such as Richy Mitch and The Coal Miners along with Dermot Kennedy, he is now headlining his own 17-stop tour—this is only the beginning for the singer-songwriter. With plans to begin work on a new record this year, I can’t wait to hear the emotional journey he takes us on next. In the meantime, you can catch Westhoff on tour until March, and you can cry in the car to Wither at any time.
