REVIEW: Westerman with Otto Benson: Live at The EARL - ATL
- Magali Rivera
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
The London singer-songwriter takes ATL through an ambient, misty soundscape
Westerman is the stage name (and last name) of the London-born singer-songwriter who has been releasing powerful, polished records since the cradle of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. His first, Your Hero Is Not Dead, drew comparisons to prime Arthur Russell and was celebrated for its timely themes of self-reflection and enduring hope.
2025 brought the release of Westerman’s third full-length LP, A Jackal’s Wedding. It sees our hero sharpening his blade of lush and consuming production while bleeding transformation and stellar songwriting. I find standout tracks in “Mosquito” and “Nevermind,” but the album is chock-full of pleasing lines and sounds.
Westerman returned to Atlanta on March 16th to play new tracks and more for fans at The EARL. The set was full of ambient noises that lend themselves to the recently released record: humming cicadas and rumbling rain. Westerman’s strong, piercing vocals cut through the strange, misty soundscape and commanded every singular listener’s attention.
Otto Benson, who opened up the night, was also a stunning sight to behold. The 26-year-old musician from New York played a set with just him, his guitar, and his pedalboard. Using loops and reverb, he took the audience on a journey, with sweet, vivid lyrics that evoked touching emotions. He released his first record with vocals, Peanut, on December 31st, a beautifully ambient folk album with all the charm, as if he is sitting in the room playing just for you.
These sets were filled with refined and often astonishing songwriting, which simply forced audience members to hang onto each artist’s every word. Though these artists’ new records make perfect soundtracks for daydreaming, their live shows captivate fans and demand an open, active ear.
Article and photos by Magali Rivera. Please credit @magliriver or @art.seen.atl if reposting on social media.