AUSTIN, TX | THE ARMY, THE NAVY | NOVEMBER 8, 2026 | PHOTOS BY MCKENNA SEFCIK | WRITTEN BY ERIC MARTINEZ
Despite an unexpected venue change from the intimate outdoor setting of Scoot Inn to Emo’s Austin due to rainy weather, indie-pop duo The Army, The Navy managed to make the night feel just as personal. Following the release of their latest album, Fake Brave Life, Maia Ciambriello and Sasha Goldberg embarked on The Fake Brave Tour, bringing the record to life onstage.
Ella Woolsey opened with a collection of soft-spoken melodies, performing without a backing band. Songs like “Bed You Made” and “Blue Angels” highlighted her delicate vocals and songwriting, though her set occasionally struggled to distinguish itself. The highlight of her set, however, came from the unreleased track “Special.” Before performing the song, Woolsey described the song as a reflection of the crowd that evening, adding that she doesn't say that to every audience. It was a small but genuine moment that made the performance feel more personal.
The Army, The Navy soon took the stage with “Becky,” as fans sported antennae and wings in a fitting nod to the whimsical world surrounding the duo's music. In hindsight, the venue change almost felt meant to be. Emo's gave the production more room to breathe, particularly with the live arrangements. Performing in front of a gingham backdrop with “The Army, The Navy” delicately sewn across it, Ciambriello and Goldberg moved into “2 Collide,” one of my favorite tracks from the album, followed by “Alexandra,” a clear crowd favorite. Their voices complement each other beautifully, and the addition of live strings made the latter especially gorgeous. After introducing themselves, Goldberg encouraged everyone to enjoy the show however they wanted, sharing that the two were doing just the same onstage. Their playful interactions and occasional coordinated moments made the performance feel natural rather than overly rehearsed. That energy carried into “Curse the Man,” which had the crowd clapping along, and “Big One,” which brought a sultrier feel to the room. Ciambriello even grabbed a drumstick to join in on the beat. Later, “Play the Music” drew one of the night's biggest reactions, particularly during its saxophone solo. The live instrumentation gave the songs a different character from their recorded versions.
“All In,” the first song the duo ever released, brought the evening back to their beginnings. The two reminisced about their first show at Emo's, making their return feel full circle. Goldberg also spoke about how much they loved singing alongside their fans and having a space where everyone could come together. Her mention of Blexas, or a Blue Texas, really brought plenty of excitement from the crowd. Before transitioning into “Walls,” Ciambriello shared that the song played a special role in her healing process following a breakup. As the first song written for Fake Brave Life, it offered a glimpse into the record's beginnings. Hearing the crowd sing along made the moment meaningful.
The set continued with “Persimmon” and “Vienna,” prompting a fan’s recounting of Goldberg’s story surrounding the song. By the time the duo reached “Fake Brave,” the connection between the two and their audience was unmistakable. With only two shows left on the tour, it was a fitting close to an evening that felt just as much about the people in the room as the music itself.
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