Abbi Jean at The Pocket

November 10, 2025

Photographed and Written by Caden Forrester @flicksby4ster

On October 12, 2025, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter Abbi Jean, who released her debut album, The Aftermath earlier this year, brought intimate indie tunes to life on stage at The Pocket in Washington, DC. Jean delivered a heartfelt set drawn largely from her recently released debut album, which drew in the crowd with somber melodies and raw talent.

Abbi Jean opened her set with “Acceptance,” immediately establishing a mellow, reflective tone. Accompanied by her tight-knit band (Steven Londoño on lead guitar, Xavier Fundalewicz on bass, and Sam McCasland on drums ), she showcased her delicate yet expressive blend of guitar and vocals. Early songs like “Out of Reach” and “Fleeting Time” had the room captivated. Before performing “Fleeting Time,” Abbi confessed it was one of her favorite songs that she wrote during her freshman year of college, a fact that shined through in the song’s lyrics about growing pains and the rapid passage of youth. Abbi’s ability to convey vulnerability through both is just one of her many strengths as a performing songwriter.

The emotional intensity continued with “Right Person, Wrong Time,” a brief interlude that captured heartbreak in just a couple of minutes. Abbi introduced this song with a dark humored laugh, calling it “really depressing” despite its short length. Indeed, its melody and lyrics about missed chances left you reflecting. After a somber yet beautiful stretch, Abbi lightened the mood, joking, “Thank you for listening to my very depressing music. Now we’ll pick it up a little.” She then launched into “Consequences of Wine,” which brought a noticeable shift in energy. This tune featured a more upbeat rhythm and full-band harmony, adding a percussion punch behind her acoustic strumming. Lyrically, it offered a take on late-night mistakes and heartfelt confessions made under the influence. It was a well-placed change of pace that showed Abbi’s range.

Throughout the night, Abbi Jean’s craftsmanship as both a lyricist and guitarist stood out. Her songs are built on storytelling and sincerity, similar to the style of artists like Phoebe Bridgers. Much like Bridgers, Abbi pairs melancholy themes with a clear, haunting vocal delivery that resonates deeply. There were also echoes of artists like Big Thief in her performance, especially in the way her band added subtle, atmospheric layers around her delicate guitar strums. At times, Abbi’s chord progressions and the dreamy reverb of the venue conjured the spirit of 90s. Abbi traded some of the ethereal haze for an acoustic warmth, her gentle voice over tranquil guitar chords. While one could draw comparisons to those influential artists, Abbi Jean’s voice and perspective remain her own. There’s an authenticity in her performance that makes her songs feel intimate when shared from the stage, pulling the audience into her confidence.

The Journey back to the main stage was just as exciting. As Tyler wrapped up a shortened rendition of “Chlorine” while mingling with fans on the return walk, Josh appeatred carrying a flaming torch, personifying the “Torchbearer” character from the band’s lore. The theatrical narrative of the Dema universe (a story spanning multiple albums) took center stage in the final act. Ominous chants and the instrumental “Torchbearer’s Theme” played as the main stage scenery transformed into the silhouette of a burning city. With a burst of pyrotechnics, the duo confronted this figurative city of Dema by ripping into “Jumpsuit.” It felt less like a rock concert and more like a full-scale final culmination of years of storytelling. Throughout it all, Tyler and Josh’s synergy was on full display: Tyler would race across the stage or climb atop the piano to belt out high notes, while Josh attacked his drum kit with ferocity.

Despite the often somber content of her songs, Abbi’s stage presence was engaging and full of charm. Between songs, she chatted casually with the crowd. She also involved friends in the show, inviting fellow singer-songwriter Andrew George onstage as a special guest. Together they performed one of Andrew’s original songs as a duet, with another friend from The Anticline harmonizing in the background. This moment added a community feel to the concert. After heartfelt thanks to her friends, Abbi gave the spotlight back to her own material. She surprised the audience with an upbeat new song (preceded by a humorous apology to her mom and aunt in attendance for the more “fun and cute” lyrics). This unreleased track (hinted to be titled “Perfect”) had a bouncy groove and lyrics about late-night romantic misadventures. It was a refreshing departure in tone that showed Abbi can write a catchy, light-hearted tune without losing her personal storytelling touch. Many in the crowd were smiling and swaying along, as her charisma carried along.

Fittingly, Abbi Jean closed the night with “The Aftermath,” the title track of her album and the emotional centerpiece of her set. This finale began introspectively, with Abbi’s voice painting a picture of love and regret. As the song progressed, the full band kicked in confidently while Abbi strummed her acoustic guitar with emotion. Hints of alternative influence surfaced. The band jammed with a light grunge energy. By the song’s end, her final notes lingered as the audience erupted in applause.

Abbi Jean’s performance at The Pocket was an emotional authenticity masterpiece. She blended her talents as a sensitive songwriter and skilled instrumentalist, holding the audience with fingerstyle guitar melodies and strong lyrics. The setlist carried the crowd through the heartbreak and introspection, then lifted them back with moments of hope and humor. Jean offers a fresh yet familiar sound that is well worth hearing. Her show in DC proved that this young indie-folk artist has a bright future.