Couch Dog captivated the audience Wednesday night at the Mid-East Upstairs, delivering a performance full of energy and unique creative styles. While primarily an indie/garage rock band, the group is known for experimenting with electronic noise, plucky riffs, and various tones. The four-person ensemble includes Max Ferrer on lead vocals and guitar, Tasha Lee on bass, Pablo Acosta on guitar, and Liam Reece on drums. Their talents and techniques truly delighted the crowd.
Prior to Couch Dog’s captivating performance, Massachusetts based band The Ghouls began the night. Playing a wide selection of songs, the band notably performed "Lovestruck" from their 2025 Album Handle with Care. The Ghouls entertained the audience with their alt-rock/power pop stylings and various stage antics, like playing riffs through their legs and jumping all around.
After The Ghouls wrapped up their driving performance, Couch Dog took to the stage opening with the song "Isabell" from their 2025 EP Unraveller. The driving chords of the piece revved up the crowd who had anxiously anticipated the band’s first tour and journey to the east coast.
The band’s stage presence only continued to energize the crowd with songs like "Not My Night," "SBJL," and "Punch Drunk" from their 2023 album How To Ruin Your Life Fast. Couch Dog knew how to entertain with their signature red hat, intense onstage chemistry, and infectious energy that buzzed throughout the night.
However, the night wasn’t without its sentimental moments, as one of the band’s closest friends came all the way from Los Angeles, California, where the band is from, to support their music on the east coast. They attributed their 2024 single "Wozniak" to him and all the other great friends that we meet.
Of course, no band is complete without a love song, and their piece "A Song About Oranges" from their 2023 album was a great pause in the evening. It brought the entire crowd to a sweet and connected place. The love that the group had for each other and their music translated directly into the heartfelt and sentimental mood of the audience during the song.
On the other hand, no crowd is complete without a pit — which, of course, Couch Dog also delivered. Folks had a burst of energy when they raced and rammed into each other as Couch Dog’s guitars screamed on.
As a special treat for the night, the band performed a few unreleased pieces that they have been workshopping. These too delighted the crowd and kept the energy of the night high. Other songs from the performance included "Spit" and "ROSEJAM," both from their 2023 album.
The band did not fail to delight on Wednesday, leaving fans eager for their next release and more of the Couch Dog spirit. Never afraid to embrace the need to dance, cry, or kiss, the band truly encompasses the feeling of young adulthood. With experimentation and emotion, you couldn’t have asked for a better group or night.
Summer Sinsley '29, a record hospital DJ, sales associate, and staff writer at WHRB.