Melodic Night with Puma Blue
February 28, 2026 - Chicago, Illinois
A voice that has been calling me back for the past six years is the melodic, exceptional group of musicians who make up the band Puma Blue. The band made its way from their home country, the United Kingdom, to Outset in Chicago on the night of February 28th, a show I had the pleasure of attending and photographing.
The first Puma Blue song I listened to was “Moon Undah Water,” released in 2017—a track that begins with an unwinding, atmospheric sound and then develops into something you’ll want to slowly dance to. My enjoyment of the band carried on, and I found myself in a routine of listening to them on early-morning drives to high school, especially on foggy days. “Lust” is another song I truly enjoy; the saxophone solo and soft drum sound create a grainy texture that only they can pull off. Notably, their cover of Radiohead’s “All I Need” is a must-listen, and, ironically, their sound has always reminded me of Thom Yorke, specifically their older track, “Mirage.”
To kick off the show, artist Salami Rose Joe Louis performed a solo set with a dedicated and electrifying sound. When I saw that she was opening, I immediately re-listened to my favorite songs by her, “Nostalgic Memories” and “We’re Dumb.” Watching how she reimagined these songs live was fascinating because of how intricate her sound is.
At the show, Puma Blue played songs from all over their discography, including tracks from their new album, Croak Dream, which was just released in early February this year. The first track, “Desire,” came out in 2025, teasing the sound of the full album. After giving the album a thorough listen, track eight, “Jaded,” claims first place in my book. It feels like you’re listening to two songs at once, with its underlying bass drifting in and out—you have to listen with headphones to feel the full experience. Track nine, “Silently,” reminds me of their older music, blending lo-fi textures with a newer, more refined direction. If you’re looking for a mellow, melodic lo-fi sound, I cannot emphasize Puma Blue enough. They’re a band you can wind down to while still appreciating every little detail that makes their sound so captivating.
Croak Dream tour is ongoing til June, go see the rest of their tour live here.
Photos by AK Soares
