LIVE REVIEW: PVRIS @ O2 Institute, Birmingham
The long and winding streets of Birmingham’s Digbeth are lined with CVLT members more than willing to take on the challenge O2 Institutethe warmth of the cavernous ballroom to worship at the altar PVRIS. Originally scheduled for April 2022, tonight’s show has been rescheduled to finish their fourth album; Although there is still no new album tonight, there are new songs and this is a start.
But before the biblical celebrations can take place, there are two PVRIS Disciples sent to bring songs of the future. TikTok sensation CHARLOTTE SANDS is a ready-made pop-punk poster child. Her energy is electrifying as she whirls around the stage and contorts her body to her songs as if she’s being powered by the National Grid. SAND She may not even have an album, but tonight she gets the crowd chewing the pole and eating out of her hand for anything she asks: roller coaster is an ocean of waving arms, re-released in order is lit with all the lights fans can funk and the closing duo Lost and a dress are locked and loaded anthems ready to explode. By the time sand breaks free from the crowd embrace, it wouldn’t be a surprise if she sells out this venue herself for years to come.
Rating: 8/10
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said Maggie Lindeman. While the atmospheric, gothic, if drawn out, theatrics and throbbing synth-pop of the opener self sabotage sits closer PVRIS‘ Wheelhouse, it’s a stable settler that never really gets going. There is no doubt that she is loved by the crowd – “I love you” The chants between songs are deafening — but lacking in enthusiasm shared by the singer-songwriter whose static band seems too cool for school or anywhere else.
Spending entire songs on the stage floor isn’t going to get the crowd going wild, but it is novacaine‘s halftime mark where LINDEMANN suddenly comes alive like a moth to a flame in the middle of the night. As if she suddenly feels comfortable in her role as the leading lady, fiery interpretations of you are not special and victim of your dreams from last year’s debut album sucker Punch Hit home with intensity and finals cages sees the singer bring a fan phone on stage for the Instagram selfie that will be the envy of all in attendance. But nonetheless, this was a performance that felt contradictory: if the fans felt it, LINDEMANN was not; and when she felt it, the fans didn’t so much.
Rating: 6/10
Although officially sold out tonight has fallen victim to its postponement as there is still plenty of room to stand, stomp and shout for all in attendance. But never mind, tonight is all about atmosphere; it takes 40 minutes to steal momentum PVRIS to take the stage, but for some time time flies as their technicians spend most of their time arranging plants on the stage rather than setting up the sound system. Anyone just arriving would be forgiven for assuming they walked at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens instead of performing at Digbeth.
Opening with a double whammy of synth-driven alt-pop bangers animal and monster, Both non-album tracks, never before played in the UK, would traditionally be a gamble for most; Per PVRISit is welcomed with open arms. Lynn Gunn is a true rock star, dressed and booted, sending out shockwaves with every step she takes on stage. But she straps on her guitar for that mirror‘ Gothic boost that it really clicks together Gunn Channeling a possessed character cutting laser-focused riffs.
Today’s set is fast and furious, like PVRIS skip the small talk and opt for a speed date instead; They’ve fired through five songs by then Gunn greets the crowd first, her signature charm is a warm respite from the darker corners of her songwriting spirit -“I had a snot blister all through the last song that I tried not to let out“. 11 of today’s 16-song set tells everything you need to know about the future of PVRISas they either pull from the 2020s Use me or the non-album material that follows. While there’s no denying the goosebumps are taken over by the crowd What is wrong‘s “No, I never sold my soul” Refrain, or the frenetic lightning bolts of Fire, Gunn and you CVLT of fans feel at home with people Anywhere but here, my wayand Old wounds.
You and me is a sharp reminder of PVRIS‘ Evergreen potential, a black and white montage of singing hearts. It’s a follow up Use me is a counter-argument, a suggestion that They have reached the glass ceiling of their borders. Yes, there isn’t a single soul who doesn’t sing along in unison, but it also feels like the moment has been missed, like the world has waited and moved on, and someone like that CHARLOTTE SANDS is well positioned to take over. That’s not forgotten six years ago PVRIS headlined the very place where artists of their kind have soared to greater heights.
Yet, PVRIS are refreshingly bold and choose to open their three-song encore with the unreleased goddess. It’s a testament to the strength of the new material that some end up singing along, but it’s the subtle shift into the synth-driven rock era muse with its post-grunge undertones being the most exciting.
My house and hallucinations bring the evening to a celebratory end. It’s been three long years PVRIS were last on our shores so there are more than a few smiling faces pouring out in the cold night air but the thought of it “Is that it?” Per PVRIS also lasts until late at night.
Rating: 8/10
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