Photos and Review by Jolene Rheault
CHARLOTTE, NC —Saturday night at Amos’ Southend was nothing short of electric as Charleston’s own Stop Light Observations rolled into town, bringing a wave of anticipation with them. The night kicked off with Winyah, a fellow Carolina act whose infectious energy set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Winyah wasted no time getting the crowd moving. Their 45-minute set featured the entirety of their just-released debut album, Lot to Learn, a collection of indie-alt anthems tailor-made for late-night drives and reckless summer adventures. From the moment they launched their first notes,” it was clear that the audience was hooked. Pulsing drumbeats, soaring melodies, and heartfelt lyrics had the venue swaying, proving Winyah’s ability to turn introspection into movement.
The band has been riding high after a whirlwind year—relocating to Nashville, dropping a string of singles, and even landing a coveted slot at Bonnaroo 2024. Now, fresh off the Breaking in America tour with Dogpark, they’re hitting the road again in 2025 for their own We Need A Van tour, sharing the stage with Stop Light Observations, Happy Landing, and Evan Honer. With a debut album on the horizon and momentum at their backs, Winyah is a name to remember.
Then came Stop Light Observations, and the room ignited. From the first note, the band commanded the stage with an effortless blend of Southern grit and indie rock swagger. Will Blackburn’s vocals—equal parts raw and soulful—wrapped around the melodies, shifting seamlessly between hushed intimacy and full-throttle anthems. Backed by groovy basslines, crisp guitar licks, and tight percussion, SLO delivered a set that was as emotionally charged as it was danceable.
Their setlist was a deep dive into their catalog, featuring the entirety of oRANGE alongside a string of fan-favorite singles. Classics like “57chevy” and “Ozymandias” had the crowd belting every word, while the throwback inclusion of “Purple People” from Radiation was a welcome nod to longtime fans. Between songs, Blackburn took a moment to connect with the audience, sharing that the band would be stepping back to write and record new material—fueling excitement for what’s next.
The encore sealed the night in spectacular fashion. A brand-new track, “Flowers,” debuted to eager ears before the band brought the house down with a high-voltage rendition of “Aquarius Apocalyptic.” As the final notes rang out, it was clear—Stop Light Observations had once again left their mark on Charlotte.
With a resume that boasts festival slots at Bonnaroo, Firefly, and SXSW—not to mention past gigs alongside Band of Horses, The Revivalists, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise—SLO’s rise is undeniable. Keep an eye on their socials for new tour dates because if Saturday night was any indication, you don’t want to miss what’s next.
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