Review: Wishy at The Atlantis on Oct. 18

Remarking on the current US political state to an audience of uneasy DC residents, vocalist Kevin Krauter focused on what he could control—“Sometimes you’ve just gotta rock out with people you love!” At The Atlantis on Oct. 18, the Indianapolis-based band Wishy did just that, delivering a night of uplifting indie rock that had a crowd of young and old alike jumping and singing along. 

Krauter and co-vocalist Nina Pitchkites cheerfully harmonized while bassist Mitch Collins and drummer Conner Host kept a tight rhythm section. Krauter and Pitchkites (who doubled as lead guitarists) played licks that imitated their vocal melodies, coming off as one cohesive wall of sound. Though a substitute filled in for rhythm guitarist Dimitri Morris, Wishy’s group dynamic was unfazed; bantering with the audience and each other as they grooved onstage, their energy infected the whole venue. 

Wishy began by paying homage to older fan favorites like opener “Planet Popstar” and “Sick Sweet” with their typical pizzazz. “I don’t know what I’m dancing for!” Pitchkites exclaimed on the upbeat “Spinning” as the audience swayed along. Soon launching into their freshly-released album Nature’s Pill (2026), songs like the breezy “Shift,” featured rich and bright guitar tones punctuated by tambourine taps. Wishy’s unabashed sappiness on “Lovesick” was received enthusiastically by the crowd, who shouted out its anthemic chorus. Their energy peaked with “All The Rage,” where Host’s impressive fills underpinned Pitchkites and Krauter’s devil-may-care chants. 

Winding down towards the end of the set, the band finished with a performance of “Sensational,” delivered by Pitchkites with a playful attitude. The audience stood firmly in place after they left the stage, clamoring for an encore. Wishy returned for a rendition of the grungy “Spit,” led by an unexpected harmonica solo. When the show came to a close (for real this time), I felt surprisingly invigorated, my ears still ringing with electric guitars. As Wishy has proven, sometimes you really do just need to rock out.