It was a chilly Tuesday night (25 July) as concert goers dressed in colourful and eclectic outfits waited excitedly for Swedish singer Tove Lo at the Roundhouse in Sydney.
The Dirt Femme tour promised an unforgettable experience and did not disappoint. With the talented trio Blusher as the opening act, we were prepared for a night of electrifying performances and infectious, energetic music.Blusher, a rising Melbourne group, started the night off with a bang. Dressed in what can be described as dance-club fairies, their poppy tunes and perfectly choreographed dances had everybody moving.
Released only two weeks ago, the synths carried their way through their new EP 'Should We Go Dance?', and although I previously had not heard them, they left a lasting impression – I can't wait to see their future as rising talent in the Australian music scene.
Stepping on stage in a dramatic pink and blue corset, Tove Lo got the party started with 'Pineapple Slice'. Immediately, the crowd was dancing and grooving and ready for a night of fun.
Tove exuded confidence, but maintained that beautiful vulnerability her fans all love. The crowd erupted in cheers as she performed waves of dance-floor anthems including 'Attention Whore', which featured a graphic of Tove Lo riding a T-Rex, and 'Cool Girl'.
She had the engaging and authentic presence only a performer with years of experience can bring. After a brief introduction, she described tonight's show to be an "emotional dance party" as we roller-coaster through her powerful discography.
We were reminded "no (emotional) bottlers" were allowed, and expression and movement was free in this space. It felt like a breath of fresh air in this constant world and definitely made us all feel ready to let loose.
Next, she danced her way into '2 Die 4' which never fails to make me think of a way cooler and sexier version of Crazy Frog's 'Popcorn', before moving into an older track.
Featured in her debut album 'Queen Of The Clouds', we were all transported back to the simpler times of 2014 with 'Talking Body', which I must admit was the tune that made me fall in love with Tove Lo in the first place. We also had a sneaky flash at the crescendo of the song, which was met with excited cheers.
After a brief break, which allowed the band to really shine with their musical technicality and flair, Tove Lo returned in leather hip-less chaps and matching top, giving that signature edgy style.
Originally featuring Australia's sweetheart Kylie Minogue, Tove Lo embraced the club vibe of 'Really Don't Like U' before moving her way into the sultry sounds of 'Disco Tits', which featured a variety of animated female body parts on the big screen to complement the unapologetic meaning behind the song.
Tove Lo should not be underestimated for her voice, as she performed with emotional charge and passion 'Moments' and 'True Romance'.
This juxtaposition between her dance-floor anthems and mesmerising ballads are what cement Tove's strength as a great artist, with a vocal and emotional range that allows her listeners to connect to her songs, regardless of their own emotional state.
If you needed a breakup song, she has it ready in 'Glad He's Gone'; or in need of a body positivity anthem, 'Grapefruit' will be right there beside you, reminding you that you will overcome the ever-going battle of bodily acceptance.
Ironically, as she introduced 'Suburbia', a song about freedom of choice in life and love, Tove Lo was celebrating her three-year wedding anniversary and reminded the crowd that despite what anyone says, you live life how you want it, even if it may not be conventional. There were many voices, singing along with the passion of people who agree with every lyric.
We were treated with an unreleased song 'Elevator Eyes' that will immediately be saved to all my playlists on release, with a bassline so strong you could feel it in your chest.
I was delighted when she unexpectedly played a personal favourite 'How Long', which can be found in the 'Euphoria' soundtrack. This song transports you to that world of glitter and teenage heartbreak.
After a brief intermission, she burst back onstage for an encore in Barbarella-style golden armour. The true highlight of the night was her cover of Robyn's 'Dancing On my own”, that recently came in at #80 in triple j's Hottest 100 Like A Version.
Moving into her newest track 'I Like U', you could barely tell the song had only been out for one week as the entire audience sang and danced along to every word like they were old friends.
As we could feel the night coming to a close, she introduced "the song that changed her life," and it was immediately obvious what that would be. An energetic version of 'Habits (Stay High)' was met with enthusiasm and you could barely hear Tove over the audience.
We ended this powerful concert with 'No One Dies From Love', the first song on her 'Dirt Femme' album. With clips from the music video playing in the background, this was a perfect closing song to leave her fans elated and exhilarated.
Tove Lo's Sydney performance was an unforgettable experience that showcased her talent as a singer, songwriter, and incredible performer. Her ability to connect with the audience on a personal and intimate level, fearless stage presence and unapologetic lyricism made for an empowering show.
This concert will undoubtedly linger in the hearts and minds of her fans as we eagerly wait for her next tour to relive this feeling.
