Show Review: This Is Lorelei (The Casbah, 3/23/2025)

This Is Lorelei is the jangly indie rock project fronted by Nate Amos, who has been releasing music under the moniker for over 10 years, accumulating quite a prolific discography. In addition to countless production credits, Nate also plays in two duos: Water From Your Eyes, alongside Rachel Brown, and My Idea, with Lily Kongsberg. Last year he released Box For Buddy, Box For Star, a real contender for AOTY in many circles. The 10-track album is a emotionally-charged, country-infused slice of indie pop music, with a unique production that seamlessly ties the intersection of genres together.

Nate and his band played their tour opener at The Casbah in San Diego on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The set, which was tight and short, consisted of songs from their latest album, Box For Buddy, Box For Star. Nate brought along three musicians to perform with him, including the drummer he plays with in Water From Your Eyes.

We’re here to highlight the highs and lows of this set. Starting with the highs: Nate has delivered one of the best indie rock albums of 2024. The record showcases exceptional songwriting, intricate instrumentation, and fully developed tracks that establish him as a promising artist with the potential to be a defining voice of his genre in the 2020s. Walking into the show, we were eager to experience the full depth of these songs brought to life.

While the performance had its moments, it sometimes felt like the balance wasn’t quite where it could be. The backing tracks, though necessary, were occasionally too prominent, which influenced the overall feel of the set. For a record as layered as Box For Buddy, Box For Star, the nuances were lost to the backing track. For those familiar with the album, this gave the effect of a less textured production. That said, the band worked hard to deliver, even without a live keyboardist. These are small details that, if refined, could elevate the live experience to fully match the brilliance heard on the album.

We also recognize the challenges that come with touring, especially when it comes to cost – bringing a larger band on the road isn’t always feasible. Despite this, Nate commanded his stage presence and let his strong songwriting shine through, playing an engaging, succinct iteration of his album translated for the stage. The crowd was engrossed and enthusiastic, cheering him on with tangible energy that propelled the set. This was noticed particularly during standout performances of tracks like “Where Is Your Love Now,” “Dancing in the Club,” “Perfect Hand,” and “A Song That Sings About You.”

Overall, the show delivered moments of magic and left us excited about the potential of this band as they continue to grow and refine their live show.