Every once in a while, the universe hands you a perfectly timed music moment. A week before Couch’s Brooklyn Steel show, “On the Wire” landed in my Discover Weekly and immediately grabbed me with its bright horns, warm groove, and that retro-pop sparkle that reminded me of discovering bands like Lake Street Dive, Vulfpeck, MisterWives, and Lawrence for the first time. Then, almost unbelievably, I got invited to the show later that week. With the song still looping in my headphones, it felt like a sign to go, and I walked into the venue curious, excited, and totally unprepared for how joyful and full this band sounds live.
Couch is a seven-piece from Boston made up of vocalist Tema Siegel, guitarist Zach Blankstein, bassist Will Griffin, drummer Jared Gozinsky, keyboardist Danny Silverston, saxophonist Eric Tarlin, and trumpeter Jeffrey Pinsker-Smith. Fresh off the release of their debut album, Big Talk, they feel like a band in the middle of a well-earned breakthrough. The album leans into what Zach describes as multidimensional love, covering everything from romance to friendship to the kind of self-reflection that comes with getting older. Hearing these songs live makes it clear how much intention and collaboration shape what they do.
Once the band stepped onstage, the room shifted immediately. Tema’s voice felt bright and inviting, and her energy never dipped. Zach’s guitar added color and texture, while Danny’s keys brought warmth without ever overwhelming the arrangements. Will and Jared kept the rhythm section locked in, giving each song an easy momentum that carried smoothly through the entire set. The horn section, played by Eric and Jeffrey, was captivating from the first note. They danced, riffed, and added the kind of details that make Couch’s sound feel warm, layered, and instantly recognizable.
The setlist moved through Big Talk and older favorites, starting with “What Were You Thinking” and flowing into “Saturday,” “Little Less Over You,” “Jessie,” and “Poems.” As someone named Jesse, spelled differently of course, it was a little surreal and very fun to hear “Jessie” live. “On the Wire” was another highlight, especially since it was the first Couch song I ever stumbled across. It hit even harder live, with the horns giving it an extra push. What stood out across the entire set was how balanced the band is. Everyone had a moment, everyone added something distinct, and the whole thing felt genuinely collaborative.
Midway through the night, the band passed around disposable cameras for what they called a “Couch family photo.” It was cute and surprisingly charming, and the crowd fully leaned into it. I even ended up with one of the cameras for a second, snapped a solo selfie, and passed it along to a couple who were dancing together. There were a lot of those throughout the venue, which made the moment even sweeter. Later, fans could scan a QR code to see or purchase the prints, with proceeds going to Rosie’s Place. It fit the entire atmosphere of the evening: community-focused, warm, and a little nostalgic.
A more reflective moment came when Tema talked about breaking old habits and trying to be more present with the people you love. Brooklyn Steel can be a loud venue, but the room actually quieted for a moment, which made the run of “Transparent,” “Window,” and “Static and Noise” land with even more weight. Knowing how much of Big Talk comes from lived experience only added to it.
There was also a funny moment when the band joked that we could all probably stand to ask more questions on our dates. It got a good laugh and matched the tone of the night perfectly. Couch has a way of being sincere without being heavy, honest without being dramatic, and playful without losing meaning.
The night wrapped with “(I Wanted) Summer With You,” a warm and nostalgic closer that sent the crowd out in a great mood. Walking out of Brooklyn Steel, it was obvious why this tour is selling out across the United States and Europe. Couch makes music that feels easy to enjoy and even easier to connect with, and they play like a group of people who genuinely love doing this together. The whole show had a relaxed, inviting feel that made it seem less like a big production and more like being welcomed into something the band cares about. I left already thinking about when I could see them again.
The first leg of Couch’s North American tour concludes in Seattle in mid-December before picking back up in January 2026.
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