These spectacles began with waning constellations. The big screens surrounding the stage harbored abstract moving pictures that coincided with each song and transformed the venue into a realistic representation of the albums being performed.

Of the eccentric costumes, creative lighting and reactive crowd, one of the more notable details of the performance took place in the background. Some girls took on a hypnotized state, staring up at the stage in unmistakeable awe one even shouted, “She’s ethereal!” Other audience members pulled one another into long hugs or raised their hands in the shape of hearts for the band to acknowledge. Another yawned contently during the next song, expressing not boredom but relaxation under the strobing lights.

“I can feel this bass in my chest!” one young audience member shouted over the music as he danced behind the barricade. The audience took this opportunity for freedom of expression in stride. The alternative singer-songwriter filled the stage with her unfiltered lyrics and mannerisms, both facilitating a comfortable environment for concert goers to lull and sway, cry or scream the lyrics back to her. They chanted song requests - mostly consisting of a fan-favorite from her debut solo album, “Georgia” - and tossed gifts to her from the pit including a familiar cheese-resembling head accessory. Consequently, her fans interacted with her like childhood best friends. The words to the song include the lines, “He said you called on his birthday / You were off by like ten days / But you get a few points for trying.” These promote a diary-like relatability within both show and personal listening contexts. The lyrics, on the other hand, take on a depressing undertone, describing the artist’s confusing relationship with her father and “ riffing off recent feelings since her parents’ divorce.” After all, Bridgers is widely known for “ juxtaposing sad lyrics with a glittery exterior.” The ballad-turned-rock tune features an upbeat tempo complete with Bowie-esque electric guitar riffs. The crowd erupted, as they knew Bridgers’ Grammy nominated song “Kyoto” would soon begin to play. “What’s up,” she said as calm as a friend calling a friend, “This is for dads.” Once the first two songs of the show concluded, Bridgers walked back to her mic and surveyed the crowd. The collar of the get-up was distinctly delicate, incorporating white lace reminiscent of the Elizabethan era (and, to some, Harry Styles’ iconic wedding suit). A long black skirt reached her boots and flowed lightly with her movements.

Her stage attire for the night was normal for her, but it harbored a victorian-style twist. Bridgers, wearing her notorious skeleton suit, swayed lightly to the music and nodded her head to the beat. With one long strum from her guitar, the artist’s most streamed song “ Motion Sickness” began. Under the bright stage lights, the sweetness of her smile contrasted the aggressive tone of the music until it eventually faded into a new, more familiar, tune. The singer-songwriter’s 2022 Reunion Tour had developed a theme of playing wacky walk-out songs, and this cool summer night was no different. It was none other than Grammy-nominated musical sensation Phoebe Bridgers.

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