The Half Alive show at the House of Blues in San Diego on March 28th was more than just a concert—it was an immersive experience. Kicking off their world tour in support of their 2024 album Persona, the trio delivered a night filled with choreographed dance sequences, mind-bending visuals, and electrifying performances that pushed the boundaries of a typical live show.
A Stellar Supporting Cast
Opening the night was Mehro, whose velvety vocals and emotive storytelling captivated the audience from the moment he stepped on stage. His ballads resonated deeply, each one transformed by the personal anecdotes he shared in between songs. Dressed in a Hannah Montana shirt, Mehro’s playful personality shone through, adding an unexpected charm to his set. A highlight of his performance was Pretty Kids, a vibrant track that blended hypnotic guitar riffs with an infectious energy. He even brought a crew member on stage holding a massive QR code sign, cleverly engaging the audience in a way that felt natural rather than forced. With his ability to blend sincerity and showmanship, Mehro is undoubtedly an artist to watch.
Following Mehro, The Walters took the stage, celebrating the release of their new album Good Company that very day. Lead singer Luke Olson made the performance even more personal by giving a heartfelt shoutout to his eight-month-old son in the audience. Despite admitting the band hadn’t played live in a while, their set was as tight as ever. They kicked things off with Tell Me before launching into Goodbye Baby and City Blues. Their setlist seamlessly blended fan favorites like Sweet Marie and Fancy Shoes with tracks from their new album, embodying a true “dad rock” energy as Olson and his bandmates riffed off each other with both affection and tension. The band’s history of breaking up in 2017 was openly acknowledged on stage, with Olson remarking that they simply “didn’t like each other a whole lot” back then. However, their viral hit I Love You So ultimately brought them back together—and the audience was all the better for it.
Half Alive Transcends Expectations
By the time Half Alive took the stage around 9 p.m., anticipation had reached its peak. True to their reputation, the band introduced their set with a dramatic, almost theatrical entrance. Figures from the Persona album artwork emerged on stage, moving in synchronized, deliberate steps before disappearing, mirroring the album’s themes of identity and perception. This striking visual set the tone for an evening that blurred the lines between concert and performance art.
Lead singer Josh Taylor is not just a musician—he’s a full-fledged entertainer. With a dynamic stage presence that fuses singing, dancing, and visual storytelling, Taylor led the group through a set that was as much about movement as it was about music. The stage was illuminated by lights that pulsed in sync with the beats, adding a surreal and immersive element to each song. Backup dancers heightened the energy, punctuating key moments with expressive choreography that elevated the entire performance.
The band opened with Sophie’s House, followed by The Fall and their breakout track Automatic. Other standouts included Arrow, Summerland, and RUNAWAY, each song brought to life with captivating visuals and intricate choreography. While some might not typically gravitate toward interpretative dance in a live music setting, there’s no denying that Half Alive executes it with an unmatched level of precision and artistry. It’s an element that sets them apart from other indie pop acts, making their live performances feel like something truly special.
A Must-See Live Experience
The combination of The Walters’ raw, heartfelt indie rock and Half Alive’s meticulously crafted performance art made for a night that felt like a perfect pairing for fans of the indie pop scene of the late 2010s If you’re looking for a concert that is both sonically and visually stimulating, Half Alive is a must-see act.