Ruby Haunt
Ruby Haunt, VHS Ghost, Dream Crease
Lodge Room104 Avenue 56, Los Angeles 90042
Ruby Haunt headline Lodge Room with VHS Ghost and Dream Crease rounding out the bill. The Los Angeles duo come to Highland Park in the wake of their eleventh album, Paper Halo, which is slated for fall 2026. Their recent work returns to the elements that have defined the project since its start: hushed vocals, expressive guitar, and arrangements that take their time to unfold, while looking at that foundation through what the group describes as a refreshed lens shaped by time and changing influences.
Formed in 2015, Ruby Haunt have built a following through a steadfast DIY approach and a strain of melancholic dream-pop and slowcore. Their Audiotree Live page describes “a distinct voice held together by their signature melancholy,” while the band’s description of debut album Hurt calls it “Lush, dark synthpop with powerful live percussion, divine vocals, and hooks like animal claws.” A review of Cures for Opposites calls it “one of their best records to date,” singling out its “beautiful” melodies and saying that “every song is immaculately paced and recorded gorgeously.”
The Lodge Room offers a distinctive live music experience on the second floor of a building in Highland Park, where the room’s modest size brings the stage close to the audience, creating a direct connection with the performers. The venue features a bar but does not serve full meals, encouraging guests to focus on the music while enjoying drinks. Shows typically start in the evening, with doors opening around 7 pm and performances beginning an hour later, often including multiple sets or late-night shows. Seating is limited and generally first come first served, so arriving early can secure a good spot. The space’s walls and layout emphasize the music, making it a place to listen attentively while still allowing for a relaxed social vibe. This venue remains a lively part of the local music scene, hosting a range of artists and styles.