Review: Phoebe Bridgers Live in Los Angeles

 

☆ BY Sophie Gragg

Photos By Nicole Busch for Goldenvoice

 
 

PLAYING A SOLD OUT HOMETOWN SHOW UNDER THE STARS - Phoebe Bridgers radiated the energy we’ve been missing at her performance at the Greek Theatre. Following the release of her album Punisher last year, Bridgers has finally gotten the opportunity to play these tracks and connect with her fans on a new level. Coming out to the upbeat track of The Black Eyed Pea’s “I Gotta Feeling”, Bridgers kept the energy high despite the often sad, emotive nature of her music. Kicking off the show with “Motion Sickness”, the crowd sang back every word, creating an almost harmony throughout the outdoor theatre. Going straight into “DVD Menu” and “Garden Song” after, Bridgers and her band kept the audience holding onto each note and eager to find out what track was next. 

Tracks like “Kyoto” and “ICU” continued to showcase just how elegant Bridger’s vocals are, and the immense range and control she has of them. The band, in their skeleton suits and all, remained the foundation of the evening, painted against a virtual backdrop of a story book to take us through the story of the evening. 

A key element of a Phoebe Bridgers concert is the audience. Skeleton costumes were sprinkled throughout the crowd, the rest of us were bundled up for a chilly Los Angeles Fall evening. All it took was the first note of each track to trigger a wave of cheers, followed by another wave of emotive sways. It truly felt as if every single person at the show knew every single lyric, and was more than ready to sing along with Bridgers for the whole night. 

Though limited throughout her set, Bridgers’ charming banter allowed the audience some insight into her humorous personality. Bridgers also made it clear how special the evening was to her, as she grew up attending shows at the Greek Theatre, and thanked her mom for always dropping her off around the corner so she seemed cool. 

If one thing is clear from a Phoebe Bridgers’ concert, it’s how much her lyrics and music truly resonate with her listeners. The genuine passion felt throughout the evening was a rare, and special feeling.

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