Live Report: Durry, Roe Kapara at The Troubadour (Nov 9th, 2023)

jaredeichmann

Nov 13

There's an undeniable magic to The Troubadour. Whether it's the rich history, the vibrant sound, the welcoming staff, or even just the disco ball - there's an intangible quality that makes shows at The Troubadour simply feel good. Last Thursday, the power pop sibling duo Durry graced the stage with their touring band, and the entire venue seemed to buzz with positive energy. I'm confident in saying that both Durry and the audience left The Troubadour with beaming smiles.

As I stepped into the venue, opener Roe Kapara was midway through his set. Armed with an acoustic guitar, accompanied by another acoustic player and a backing singer, Kapara's sound immediately intrigued me. The somewhat apathetic or nihilistic lyrics, combined with his delivery, transported me to the early 2000s acoustic emo scene. As Kapara played through both "Preacher" and "Fajita!" - these two on electric guitars rather than acoustic - I couldn't help but draw parallels to Bright Eyes, especially the Fevers and Mirrors era.

What stood out most in Kapara's set was the fullness of the duo's sound. I'm usually skeptical of sets with bass and drums channeled through backing tracks, but Kapara managed to captivate me. I shared my final verdict with a buddy who tagged along to the show: an excellent choice for the opening act, setting the perfect tone for the headliner.

With the crowd's anticipation palpable and the venue brimming with energy, Durry took the stage. Just like their debut album, Suburban Legend, the nostalgic sounds of dial-up internet filled the speakers before they launched into the high-energy opener "Coming of Age." My pre-show expectations were confirmed - Durry's sound is undeniably reminiscent of Kings of Leon, and their live performance only solidified that impression. Each track was a contagious, floor-stomping pop-rock anthem, complete with catchy hooks, tight musicianship, and an overall sense of lively fun.

The audience enthusiastically embraced every moment. Glancing around, I couldn't help but marvel at the passion and joy coursing through The Troubadour. Durry is a very new band, yet the crowd's excitement was that of an already powerful fanbase. Singer Austin Durry's intense gratitude resonated throughout the set, creating a genuinely heartwarming atmosphere.

Austin's recurring theme of gratitude was noteworthy. He mentioned the contrast between their previous LA show, which had a 250-person capacity, and the significantly larger crowd on Thursday. The genuine affection from the audience clearly touched him. Amidst expressions like "my eyes are sweating," a remark that feels reserved for close friends, and humorous comments about LA's dryness, the bond between Durry and their fans became increasingly evident.

Despite the non-stop pop-rock anthems, there was a surprising turn in the second-to-last song, aptly titled "Encore." Austin preluded it by acknowledging it might be "a bit of a snoozer" but deemed it essential. The song revolves around reaching out to loved ones grappling with depression, aiming to provide the same support that a band feels when the crowd demands "one more song." Far from being a downer, this interlude was a highlight to me. The audience, after dancing and cheering all night, welcomed the chance to pause and connect with something heavier. They even initiated the "one more song" chant heard on the recorded version.

Transitioning seamlessly, Durry concluded with a fantastic cover of Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle," adding their unique twist. They cleverly prompted the audience to recite Matthew McConaughey's famous "alright, alright, alright" line whenever the word "alright" appeared in the song. It was not just a stellar rendition of a classic anthem but also a humorous touch to close out their set.

Any critique I have of this otherwise fantastic show is minimal. It's apparent that Durry is still adjusting to existing as a full band. Throughout the night, it was primarily Austin who engaged in banter. While the other band members showcased immense talent and played exceptionally, it felt as though they were less present outside of their musical roles. However, this observation is more an acknowledgment of the band's newness as a full group, and I anticipate that band camaraderie will naturally evolve with more tours and performances.

That being said, Austin truly shines as a frontman during their live show. This was particularly evident when he set aside the guitar for their massive hit "Who's Laughing Now." Unencumbered by the instrument, Austin freely roamed the Troubadour's stage - even hopping onto a riser to sing along with the crowd. While the song's style isn't particularly punk, the live energy exuded a distinctly punk rock vibe, making it my favorite part of the show.

Durry continues their tour through the middle of December, and I wholeheartedly recommend catching their show. See them in these intimate venues now, as I have a strong feeling that the next time they grace a stage, it will be in a much larger venue. Listen to Suburban Legend here.

https://open.spotify.com/album/0XBOirwu0hluwBbEb8hdMe?si=R6lHDlBxRKyN_UFg1UEz8A