Every once in a blue moon you hear a band that makes you second guess the bitter notion that music these days just “doesn’t sound as good as it used to” or that you were “born in the wrong era.”Then Chicago hands us over Whitney. Whitney rose from the ashes of the Smith Westerns, and is headed up by two former members: Max Kakacek and Julien Ehrlich. And while I wouldn’t go as far as comparing the two, the same dreamy spirit you can find in Smith Westerns certainly emanates from song to song when listening to Whitney.

Whitney is suited for younger generations who have acquired a taste for the classics. It’s infused with folk elements, teased with country influence, and painted over with relevant melodic indie.

They headlined the Troubadour in West Hollywood on Saturday night a sold out crowd. The intimate and packed venue grew increasingly close throughout the night, drawing themselves closer with each song. hat’s the magic Whitney brings with their music. From beginning to finish they drew everyone in as each song was more winning than the next. Ehrlich sings while simultaneously drumming while Kakacek intricately strums his guitar. Also accompanying them on stage is a keyboard and trumpet player.

Lodged in between their set was a sensual cover of “Tonight I’ll be Staying Here With You” by Bob Dylan, only adding further to Whitney’s charm.

These guys are only just emerging and making strong headway into the hearts of old souls from every corner. Hop on this train because indie folk is sounding better than you remembered it. –Asal Shahindoust