REVIEW: beabadoobee - Boston, MA (9/13/24)
Words by Samantha Davidson (@samantha.s.photo.s)
Photos by Jordan Curtis Hughes (@jordhughesphoto)
Beatrice Laus, professionally known as beabadoobee, has established herself as an indie pop princess. In August, she released her third album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves, to critical acclaim and great fanfare. Audiences resonated with her signature vulnerable songwriting style and euphonious voice. Standout tracks “Take A Bite” and “Real Man” boast relatable conversational lyrics and memorable guitar riffs. Laus’ ability to to stack her airy vocals contributes to an ethereal listening experience, creating a craving to listen to more. In 2023, beabadoobee joined Taylor Swift as an opener for the historic The Eras Tour, gaining many new eyes and ears on her art. Laus embarked on a North American headlining tour of her own this September, making its fourth and sold-out stop in Boston.
When doors opened at Fenway’s MGM Music Hall, fans immediately traveled up over four flights of stairs, across the top level, down three flights, and then back across the second level to get in line for merchandise: the longest line I’ve ever seen at the venue. Designs included a t-shirt with two adorable line art cats hugging and a bedazzled baby tee. Beabadoobee’s personal style effortlessly mixes cutesy and grunge aesthetics, which was reflected in the audience’s attire. Fans wore flowy dresses, platform boots, leather jackets, and baguette bags. Soon, everyone began to buzz with excitement as they found their seats and spots in the pit.
At 7:30 pm sharp, singer-songwriter Keni Titus emerged from behind the stage in a white babydoll dress with a delicate black flower design. Titus performed a hypnotizing set, opening with the self-reflective track, “feels like i’m changing.” Her breathy vocals fostered a sense of intimacy between her and the audience. Titus released her juliet EP on September 6, covering themes of reinvention, love, and introspection. Before ending her memorable set, Titus revealed how grateful she was to beabadoobee for inviting her as it’s her first time ever going on tour.
Next, indie duo Hovvdy walked out and waved to the crowd. Hovvdy, comprised of Texas natives Charlie Martin and Will Taylor, executed a chill and charming set. The soft rock music compelled the audience to bob their heads to the rhythm. Martin and Taylor opted for casual outfits, sporting jeans and t-shirts. They paused to talk to the audience and then proclaimed they had a few more songs and would keep “tooting along.” They ended with “True Love,” an upbeat track with a twangy twist, and then they escaped backstage.
Deafening cheers filled the venue when the lights finally dimmed again. Beabadoobee happily skipped out on stage in a sheer hot pink shirt–of which the color was decided on by a poll she sent out on her Instagram broadcast channel–and a jean skirt to an attentive crowd. She dove into the indie rock song “California.” The chorus’s driving drumline and catchy guitar riff infused energy into the venue and complemented Laus’ smooth vocals. Laus switched between three guitars during the first three songs, starting with a hot pink electric. Her command of the crowd was impressive, with fans listening intently each time Laus stopped to speak to them and singing along furiously each time she dove into a song.
About midway through the set, Laus played “Glue Song,” which she dedicated to the crowd. Fans held up flashlights and swayed to the dreamy track, causing beabadoobee to smile and share how “sweet” that was, and that “it meant so much” to her at the end of the song. The energy was especially infectious, when Laus played the catchy hit, “Beaches,” which she proclaimed was her “favorite song.” At the end of the track, the white curtains that lined the stage dramatically dropped to the floor, revealing a beautiful rig of foliage hanging from the ceiling. Beabadoobee returned for a 3-song encore, performing the hopeful “See you Soon” as the night’s final song. The material of personal growth and acceptance also served as a message to fans who did not want the night to end with Laus singing the phrase “see you soon” directly to the audience.
This Is How Tomorrow Moves Tour enables fans to experience their favorite tracks from Laus’ many projects in one night. Beabadoobee crafted a 90-minute set highlighting her songwriting abilities, range, and talent. Make sure to catch beabadoobee live before the North American leg concludes in California. Buy tickets here.
WHERE TO FIND BEABADOOBEE
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