Underdressed at the Symphony

Released in 2024, Underdressed at the Symphony marks a subtle but significant evolution in Faye Webster's sound, further blurring the lines between alt-country, indie pop, and contemporary R&B. Recorded at Sonic Ranch with her long-time touring band, the album prioritizes a 'live-in-the-room' feel that emphasizes the chemistry between the musicians. While her previous work established the 'Webster sound' - deadpan vocals and prominent pedal steel - this record introduces more experimental elements, such as the heavy vocoder on 'Feeling Good Today' and the inclusion of a feature from childhood friend Lil Yachty on 'Lego Ring'. Critics from Pitchfork and AllMusic noted the album's increased reliance on repetition and its willingness to sit in uncomfortable emotional spaces. The title itself refers to Webster's habit of attending the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in casual wear to lose herself in the music, a metaphor for the album's themes of isolation and the search for anonymity within grand emotional landscapes.