It’s been less than four months since Teddy Swims was last in town. In the meantime, he’s released a follow-up to his hit debut I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy, imaginatively titled I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Part 2.
His show has undergone something of an overhaul to match the huge halls he now commands. Three backing vocalists have joined the fold, adding depth to the sound, while the visuals have leveled up considerably. There’s pyro, smoke bombs, and even confetti—Swims isn’t just playing bigger venues; he’s putting on a bigger show.
Swims remains an open and deeply sincere performer. His voice, while not the most distinctive, compensates with sheer emotional weight, wringing every bit of feeling out of his songs. The problem, as with his last visit, is that everything feels just a little too polished, a little too curated—less like a live gig and more like an Instagram-ready experience. The show is slick to a fault, and at times, self-indulgent.
That said, there were moments that broke through. The Jukebox Bingo segment—where the audience decides which of the songs up on the virtual jukebox Swims should play next—offered a glimpse of something looser, more spontaneous. The selections flashed on screen included The Clash, Doolittle, Marquee Moon, and Screamadelica—any of which would have been a fascinating choice. Instead, we got "Don’t Stop Believin’". Predictable? Sure. But Swims was clearly having fun, and the crowd sang along like it was the greatest song ever written.
Still, you can’t argue with the songs—his own material is undeniably strong. The band is flawless, and Swims himself is a born, if slightly unconventional, superstar. If the show leans a little too hard into its self-awareness, well, maybe that’s just part of the package. Either way, confetti is hard to resist.
