Between Friends WOWS Minneapolis

Last night at the Varsity Theater in Dinkytown, sibling duo Between Friends—Brandon and Savannah Hudson—delivered a performance that was nothing short of electrifying. Touring in support of their new album Wow, the pair lived up to the name in every sense. I went into the show knowing only a handful of their songs and none from the new album, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But by the end of the night, I was completely won over.

The first thing that struck me was the minimalist setup: just the two of them on stage, no backing band. It quickly made sense, as their music leans heavily into electronic production. Brandon handled live production duties, working a setup that looked like a hybrid between a looping station and a DJ mixer, while also providing backup vocals. Savannah took center stage with lead vocals, captivating the crowd with her dynamic dancing and eccentric stage presence. The visual production was just as engaging—strobe lights and a vibrant, ever-changing screen behind them added to the immersive experience.

Opening the night was Vale, a Colombian singer who’s been making waves lately. I had the pleasure of seeing her previously when she opened for The Driver Era, and once again, she didn’t disappoint. Her upbeat melodies, infectious energy, and effortless crowd interaction made her the perfect choice to kick off the evening.

Their setlist blended new tracks from Wow with fan favorites like “iloveyou” and “affection.” Songs such as “You & Me Time” and “1234567” brought dreamy, glam pop energy, while “American Bitch” and “DJ” added bold rhythm and edge. The album’s theme—navigating a mid-twenties existential crisis with joy—came through in a performance that was chaotic, emotional, and euphoric.

The crowd was another great part of the night. When the singers said jump, they jumped; when they said sing this with us, they sang. This was one of my favorite parts of the night because crowds can really add or take away from a show. With the opener too, the crowd was hanging on to her every word, ready to make the night one to remember.

Overall, the show far exceeded my expectations. Between Friends showcased not only their musical talent but also their ability to create an atmosphere that was both intimate and high-energy. From the production to the performance, it was a night that left me genuinely wowed.