Show Lineup: lots of hands and Lala Lala
Genres: ambient, indie rock, bedroom pop, lofi, experimental, indie folk
Venue: Club Congress
Date: March 8, 2026
Description:
I was so tempted to request press for this show, but I wanted to be 100% sure I could attend and thankfully my schedule opened up so I could go. I have been anticipating this concert since it was first announced and it was everything and more. As I do with every concert that I go to, I arrived 10-15 minutes before doors and kept checking my phone to make sure my ticket wouldn’t just magically disappear and I’ll hold up the line, as if that would happen. I really do love Club Congress for how easy and stress free it is to enter. All you do is scan your ticket and they check your ID, and boom you’re in. Immediately once I entered I booked it for the merch table. I love smaller venues and how casual it feels to talk to the merch person, I didn’t catch his name but the merch guy for lots of hands was really cool and helped me with getting the CDs I purchased signed, as well as getting me the Sharpie to even get them signed in the first place. I ended up buying a lots of hands shirt and two CDs, and I regret not buying the Heaven 2 CD but I’ll buy it next Bandcamp Friday trust.
This was my first time at Club Congress where they had a few stools and tables strewn about, as every other time it’s just a merch table and the stage, so it was a bit of a surprise. I ended up securing one of the tables by the wall so that I wouldn’t disturb anyone while taking pictures, plus I could do my introvert thing and sit in a corner.
lots of hands is a duo from Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK who approach music from a lo-fi and experimental direction, they blend elements of bedroom pop, ambient music, and indie folk. The project comprises of Billy Woodhouse and Elliot Dryden, whose who? Well let’s say hypothetically I was looking it up during intermission. Have I been listening to them since 2021? Yes. Have I just been referring to them as Billy and Elliot and not as two separate people? Maybe. Though I don’t feel too bad about not knowing who’s who, because even Lillie (Lala Lala) admitted that she has been calling them by the wrong name on their joint tour and didn’t realize it til recently. So it could be worse. Their album into a pretty room captures this genre bending pretty well, as the record layers soft electronics, acoustic instruments, and understated vocals that focus on mood and texture. Their understated style translates really well live. As you can see in the picture above, it was just Billy and Elliot, some guitars, and a laptop. Their 2024 album fantasy is my absolute favorite album, and being able to hear some of my favorite tracks live was surreal.
Chicago based indie artist Lala Lala, the project of songwriter Lillie West, blends indie rock with confessional storytelling that balances emotional vulnerability with subtle production details. The live performance translated really well, flowing between quiet, introspective moments and then into fuller arrangements that toed the line between intimate and immersive. You couldn’t help but to tap your foot, nod your head, or enthusiastically pump your fist. For a Sunday night show in a supposedly haunted hotel the crowd was good and the music was stellar. Lillie went on a small tangent asking the crowd if we believed in ghosts and how terrified she is of them. Right before her set, Lillie made sure to speak to the ghosts and tell them to leave her alone and she means no harm, and so far it has worked for the ghosts not to bother her. Her newest album, Heaven 2, leans more into layered synths, hazy textures, and a more dreamlike pace. The tracks build themselves up gradually leaving a path of quiet intensity that feels so rewarding to hear live. The live band consisted of Clarity on keys and sax, Pascal on bass, Abby on drums, and Lillie on vox and guitar. The saxophone was absolutely otherworldly and elevates the tender, dreamy, and angelic experience that was attending this concert.
Reviewer Name: K Galich
Date of Review: March 14, 2026