Concert Review: New Constellations Leaves Orlando, Wanting "Just a Little Bit More"

It’s a beautiful Friday night at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida. The excitement of the weekend is palpable as concertgoers mingle among one another, eagerly waiting in line for tonight’s highly anticipated sold-out show. Headlining the evening is The Midnight, traveling nationwide on their Time Machines Tour. But little do fans know—they’re about to be introduced to the sweet sounds of New Constellations, a duo poised to captivate the ears and hearts of everyone at the House of Blues.

Harlee Case and Josh Smith are the musical minds behind New Constellations. From Portland, Oregon, this duo has been making music together for nine years, with official music releases hitting the music scene nearly five years ago. Their long-standing friendship dates back to their high school and youth group days. While music was always in their plans, they went their separate ways after high school to pursue it. However, after years apart, they found their way back to Portland and realized that making music was at its best when they collaborated. Harlee serves as the lead vocalist and songwriter. Josh co-writes and produces, while both contribute instrumentally. Their sound is an enriching blend of atmospheric dream-pop, with lyrics that reflect on life and the human experience in all its forms—the good, the bad, and everything in between.

In 2021 they released their debut single "Hot Blooded." At the time, they didn't realize the massive hit they had on their hands. It wasn't something that blew up overnight but was rather a steady, slow burn that grew stronger over time. So far, it has reached an astounding 100 million streams on music platforms, with over 21 million views on the accompanying music video. As of now, New Constellations is gearing up for the release of their debut album, It Comes In Waves, on May 15, 2026. A project three years in the making, this body of work reflects the idea that life comes in waves—especially when it comes to emotions—and that anyone who lives long enough is bound to experience them. And for tonight, I am excited to see which of their new songs will have its moment center stage in front of this sold-out crowd.

All three levels of the House of Blues are packed to the brim as 8 p.m. rolls around. The crowds' chatter softens as they wait to see who is going to take the stage. Harlee and Josh step into the spotlight with confidence and poise. With a giant smile, Harlee, in a white corset covered with a black shawl, black shorts, and thigh-high black boots, takes to a red and black keyboard. To her left, Josh, in a blue button shirt and pants topped off with a red beanie, picks up a light bluish-green Fender Stratocaster. They take one quick glance at each other, and just like that, the night takes off and never lets up. Before the first song of their set could finish, they won the crowd with their sound and energy. 

New Constellations delivers a night of music that includes a few of their standalone releases but ultimately treats this captivated crowd to their fresh material that will appear on their new album. Songs like "Think it Over" and "Dandelion" get the energy up and have the whole crowd in the moment and feeling good. Harlee's voice is a smooth, elegant blend of strength and tenderness. She works the stage and showcases her skills on the piano and bass guitar. Josh provides sweet layered textures, tones, and dynamic sounds on his Fender Strat while offering subtle backup vocals. In between tunes, they chat with the audience, giving a backstory to the songs they are performing. In one instance, Harlee explains that "Believe Again" is a song dedicated to her younger self about not giving up. The joy Harlee and Josh share on stage with one another and with the crowd is palpable and is clearly evident by the expressions on their faces. It's a real treat to watch them rock out and be fully in the moment on their bass and electric guitars. "Say That You Will" and "Sun Chasing the Rain" draw the crowd in even more.

As I look out from the second-floor balcony of the House of Blues, the crowd is all smiles—myself included—cheering as New Constellations closes out the night with their hit, “Hot Blooded." The energy in the room is refreshing and pure as the crowd dances, filling the House of Blues with cheers as their final notes fade. Harlee and Josh undoubtedly leave Orlando wanting "just a little bit more" after that fantastic set.

New Constellation has quite an exciting road ahead, one that I am excited to watch unfold. In addition to their new album, they'll be hitting the stages of Lollapalooza and BottleRock Napa Valley this summer while also gearing up for their first run of headlining shows overseas. Keep an eye out for them—this is one duo you don't want to miss.