The Back Alley at Loving Touch

Mar 31

The Loving Touch, Ferndale, MI | March 26th, 2026

Photographed and written by Paige Dummer

The Back Alley brought their Spring Tour to The Loving Touch in Michigan on Thursday and proved that there is no better way to spend a rainy day than at a show. After opening for The Runarounds on their Minivan Tour earlier this year, The Back Alley is on the road again for their headline tour. This 5-piece indie band from Chicago, composed of lead singer Ralph Porter, guitarists Jaden Cone and Sal Defilippis, bassist Hunter Olshefke, and drummer Ben Kremer, are certainly not afraid to have fun on stage.

Opener: Moravian

Opening the night was Moravian, an indie-rock band from right here in Detroit. I have heard so many great things about this band and this was the first time I had the pleasure of seeing them live. Their energy on stage was pure electricity and the crowd definitely felt it too. Their set, including covers of “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna and “As It Was” by Harry Styles, had the whole room moving. If you are looking for a band to become a day-one fan of before they make it big, Moravian is the group to check out.

From the first note of the set to the last, The Back Alley’s energy was infectious. I was able to catch their set at the Royal Oak Music Theatre opening for The Runarounds in February as well and both times I found myself wanting more after the lights went up. Excited fans, some with handmade posters, gathered to the front and danced their hearts out the whole time. The set included songs like “Grey Skies”, and “Neon Jeans” and some fantastic covers that had the whole crowd signing along. At the end of the night, the band and the crowd both agreed that they didn’t want to leave, and The Back Alley came back out for a few more songs before heading to meet fans at the merch table.

This is definitely a band you do not want to miss when they are in town. Luckily for you, their tour has just begun and there are plenty more shows if you are near the Midwest. If you are a fan of Peach Pit, Hippo Campus, or just indie-rock in general I totally recommend checking them out!