VERYGENTLY MAKES WAVES IN SOLANA BEACH
BELLY UP TAVERN — SOLANA BEACH, CA
Saturday night at the iconic Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, the Nashville-based trio verygently took to the stage as special guests on Ruston Kelly's PALE, THROUGH THE WINDOW tour. Despite forming just a year prior, the group has already made a remarkable impact, sharing the stage with notable acts like Augustana, The Fray, The Band Camino, and now Kelly himself. Their rapid rise shows no signs of slowing down.
From the moment they stepped under the lights, verygently locked the audience’s attention with a stripped-down setup consisting of only three mic stands, their instruments, and nothing else. With no flashy production, it was clear that the magic of the night would come from the connection between the band and the crowd. The trio's infectious energy was palpable, but the set also revealed a more intimate side of their performance, allowing the audience to feel as if they were part of the story rather than passive spectators.
The setlist was a journey through their musical , showcasing fan favorites like "UH-HUH" and "SIR, THIS IS A WENDY'S", both tracks from their debut EP DUMBA$$ MODE, released in 2024. But it was the new material from their upcoming second EP, FAME! released just a few months later in 2025, that really highlighted the depth of the group’s songwriting. Songs like "JESUS GIRL", "REALLY COOL DREAM", and "LITERALLY JUST A GIRL" blended witty narratives with raw emotion, marking verygently as not just a band with addicting melodies, but with messages that everyone can relate to.
The band’s sound is a warm, infectious mix of indie-folk that resonates with listeners on a deep, almost comforting level. Drawing on each member’s diverse musical background, they’ve crafted a style that’s uniquely their own, rich with storytelling and a sense of camaraderie. Between songs, the trio’s easy banter with the crowd further enhanced that feeling of connection, transforming the room into an intimate gathering of friends rather than a traditional concert.
As the set drew to a close, the energy continued with "GET OVER YOU", a heartfelt ballad about the painful realization that sometimes, despite your best efforts, a relationship simply isn't meant to be. The song resulted in a well-deserved standing ovation from the crowd, and it was clear that verygently had left a lasting mark on everyone in the room.
While they may be newcomers, there’s nothing gentle about the trajectory of verygently. With a debut album set for release this year, this is just the beginning for the trio, and if tonight’s performance was any indication, they have much more in store.
