NIGHT TAPES CONCERT REVIEW
Photo by LUCY NGUYEN
From housemates to bandmates, Night Tapes is comprised of members Iiris Vesik, Max Doohan, and Sam Richards. The group has previously released four EPs — Dream Forever in Glorious Stereo (2019), Download Spirit (2020), Perfect Kindness (2023), assisted memories (2024) — and most recently, their newest album portals // polarities. Each project draws inspiration from the band’s personal journeys, both spiritual and physical. Night Tapes takes a unique approach to dream-pop, defying musical conventions and boundaries. In particular, portals // polarities centers on the freedom to explore beyond the typical mindset — to break free from mental limitations and embrace creativity, self-discovery, and new experiences. Whether through uncertainty, curiosity, or desire, the album captures the journey beyond one’s mental constraints, a theme reflected throughout each track.
Headlining their second U.S. tour at the beginning of October, I had the opportunity to review their eighth stop at the Bottom Lounge in Chicago.
Night Tapes began their set at 8:30 p.m., opening with “enter,” as their signature dream-pop and shoegaze sound took over the floor. Iiris’ ethereal vocals and graceful dancing during enter set the tone for the rest of the night. They followed with “television” and “swordsman,” featuring Iiris on the cowbell and Max providing stunning supporting vocals. “Humans” was an incredible moment — Iiris switched to guitar while Sam played a captivating melody on the synth, manipulating Iiris’ audio live. During “projections,” there was a notable shift in Iiris’ dancing — more powerful, eccentric, and deeply expressive — a change mirrored by the energy of the audience. As the set progressed, it felt as though I was embarking on a mental journey, guided by Night Tapes through the unknown. The entire setlist wove an immersive soundscape, where dynamic shifts between tracks drew the listener in. Their music enveloped the crowd — the melodic harmonies, methodical guitar loops, heavy basslines, and morphing instrumental textures each contributed purposefully to the message within every song.
Photo by LUCY NGUYEN
It was an incredible experience to witness the duality within their performance — particularly how the tempo flowed from “babygirl’s” slower rhythm to “pacifico’s” fast-paced energy, then back down to “easy time to be alive,” ending euphorically with Iiris playing the flute. The following tracks — “tokyo sway,” “loner,” “helix,” “in poly amber,” “patience,” and “leave it all behind” — shared themes of intimacy, connection, and self-reflection through lived experiences. Next came “storm,” a track centered on finding clarity after chaos — pushing through discomfort to uncover truth and authenticity. As the band built toward the chorus, the audience’s energy surged, with more people dancing and fully immersing themselves in the moment.
During my favorite track, “Selene,” Iiris danced elegantly across the stage, moving flowing fabric through the air and playing the tambourine toward the song’s end. Max’s harmonizing vocals created a stunning contrast, adding emotional depth to the performance. The band closed the night with “every day is a game,” “Forever,” “drifting,” and “to be free” which highlights individuality, relationships, freedom, and self-expression.
Photo by LUCY NGUYEN
Throughout the concert, it was mesmerizing to watch Night Tapes perform as the audience gradually opened up — moving, dancing, and singing along. Their music is captivating, encompassing emotions that often transcend words. Whether experienced through their music videos or live performances, Night Tapes has an extraordinary ability to create both a visual and auditory universe — one that can only be understood by venturing beyond the limits of the mind. Night Tapes’ performance at the Bottom Lounge was more than a concert – it was an invitation to a journey through vulnerability, curiosity, and self-discovery. By the end of the night, it was clear: Night Tapes doesn’t just play music; they build worlds.
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