Live Review: Winnetka Bowling League featuring Emi Grace at The Troubadour

Winnetka Bowling League absolutely spared no pins delivering an outstanding performance at The Troubadour last night. By 6:55 pm, a massive line of eager fans, predominantly young adults, had already formed outside the venue, ready to pack the 500-capacity, sold-out show. The pre-show atmosphere was energetic with music blasting over the main speakers as fans poured in, creating an unforgettable vibe. The venue was adorned with blue and red lights, and a prominent “WBL” banner hung on stage, signaling the night’s main event.

Emi Grace was the opening act of the night. She and her band kicked off the show with an explosive energy, setting the tone for the rest of the performance. The drummer, electric guitarists and bassist, were all dressed in football jerseys. They went all out, jumping around on stage like true rockstars. Emi was shredding on the lead electric guitar, it was mesmerizing to see her hit insane riffs on multiple songs, especially during her second song “Fall Apart,” where she wailed on the guitar like a rockstar from the ’70s. There were multiple occasions in which the intense energy from the band had the crowd going wild. Emi shouted and yelled as the crowd banged their heads in sync to the music. They played their hearts out, keeping the fans engaged with powerful instrumentals. Emi’s shouting was super interactive, constantly getting the crowd involved. They had everyone clapping and cheering, especially when Emi or the other guitarist soloed. Emi frequently screamed out to the crowd, “How we doing?” driving them into a frenzy. At one point, one of the guitarists played from a raised platform, adding to the dynamic stage presence.

Their eight song set was a captivating mix of electric guitars, bass and drums. A standout moment was their special slow song, “Patiently,” which Emi wrote about her move to LA. For this song, the drummer urged the audience to wave their phone lights, creating a beautiful sea of lights. Emi also showcased her versatility by performing a harmonica solo, adding a distinctive touch to their set.

The lighting effects were equally mesmerizing, with flashing white lights and a spinning disco ball enhancing the rock band’s hard-hitting performance. Emi closed her set by shouting “Happy Birthday” to her mom in the crowd and tossing a guitar pick to the fans, sparking a scramble to pick it up. This interaction further demonstrated the band’s ability to connect with their audience on personal levels. For Emi’s first tour ever, her energy and enthusiasm were infectious.

After a brief intermission, comedian Stef Dag took the stage. Her stand-up routine, which touched on themes like Gen Z, climate change, and the quirks of LA, provided a stark contrast to the high-octane performances that preceded her. Despite her efforts to keep the crowd entertained with jokes about dating and mental health, the shift in tone was noticeable. Her dark comedy, while humorous, felt like a different chapter in the night’s events.

Finally, Winnetka Bowling League took the stage. It was the perfect time to strike, bringing up the energy, the band launched into their set with their signature “Sha La La” that had everyone singing along. The stage was a spectacle, complete with old movie lights, a bubble machine, vintage TVs playing trailers and a candy machine, creating a unique and engaging atmosphere. 

Their sound was heavy on old-school synths, including the use of the drums, keyboard and different guitars. The band was successfully able to keep the energy high as fans sang along word for word. After each song, the lights came down, setting the mood for the next track. They followed up with “America in Your 20’s” and “Pulp,” maintaining the high energy that kept the crowd buzzing. The lead singer switched between bass, acoustic, and electric guitar, showcasing impressive musical versatility. The setlist was a perfect mix, debuting new tracks from their album “Sha La La,” with each song seamlessly transitioning into the next. 

A notable mood shift occurred during “No One’s Ever Kissed You,” where a powerful saxophone solo drove the crowd wild. The energy spiked again with “Beach,” a fun song that had everyone bouncing to an up-tempo tune.  

The lead singer Matt Koma, delivered a touching solo acoustic performance with a song about friendship, creating a poignant moment in the set. When the band performed “Barcelona,” the first slow song of the night; it showcased their range and versatility. The energy remained strong with the singer shuffling around the stage and engaging the audience with jokes about the presidential debate and Justin Timberlake.

The band’s ability to blend upbeat tracks with more relaxed songs kept the crowd bouncing throughout the night. Memorable moments included a song about CVS chocolate and another about probiotics, showing the band’s playful side. WBL played a 17-song set and even played a new song that featured artist Taylor Goldsmith, dressed in a red workmen’s jacket, adding a special element to the show, much to the delight of the fans.

The night concluded on a positive note. Bubbles were blasted from machines, as the spinning disco ball created a magical atmosphere. As the fourth stop on their first headline tour, Winnetka Bowling League’s performance at The Troubadour was like picking up a split…completely jubilant and full of excitement! They left fans eager for more. From start to finish, the band proved they are a must-see act, delivering a night of unforgettable music and energy.

Setlist:

Emi Grace

1. Forget About Me
2. Fall Apart
3. Known Better
4. Be Honest
5. Bad
6. Jaded
7. Patiently 
8. Talk about It

Winnetka Bowling League 

1. Sha La La
2. America in Your 20’s
3. Pulp
4. On the 5
5. No One’s Ever Kissed You
6. Beach
7. Handsome
8. CVS
9. Happy Adjacent 
10. Matt Solo Acoustic Song
11. Astrology and Context
12. Kombucha 
13. Barcelona 
14. This is Life 
15. Congratulations 
16. Breakfast 
17. Slow Dances