Photos and review by Nicole Sepulveda
@__nik__pics

After releasing their first full-length album, It Comes In Waves, earlier this year, New Constellations kicked off their 24-stop tour last week. Based in Portland, Oregon, the dream-pop duo, consisting of longtime friends Harlee Case and Josh Smith, started their tour in California and will crisscross the country before heading back to the West Coast.

I ended up catching them in Reno at Cargo Concert Hall on October 22, their fourth show in four days. Though lead singer Harlee Case had a bit of a rasp in her voice that night, the crowd showed nothing but love, helping sing along to much of the set, with additional backing vocals from the sister duo Vox Rea, who also opened the show.

Their ’80s-influenced, ethereal synth-pop sound blends dreamy vocals, layered synthesizers, and catchy guitar melodies, making their music feel nostalgic yet refreshingly new. Their debut album features 13 tracks, including “I Disappear,” “Say That You Will,” and “Dandelions,” while their earlier breakout single “Hot Blooded” has helped introduce the band to a much wider audience.

Despite being only a few nights into a lengthy tour, the band kept the energy going, and it was clear from the audience’s response that their music has already connected with a pretty dedicated fan base.

One of the most memorable moments of the night actually came just before their final song, when Harlee handed the microphone to a guy in the audience who proceeded to propose to his girlfriend! Not something you see at every concert, and a pretty sweet moment to share with the crowd. The band then wrapped up the night with their breakout hit, “Hot Blooded,” sending everyone off on a high note.