GAYLE

Review by Athena Zhou

Opening the show was Gayle, bringing comfort to this rainy day with her raspy belts in synergy with reverberating accompaniments. Gayle sang passionately, relating to friends, anger, love, and lust. However, in appreciation of the women bringing attention to these points before her, she covered “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett. Gayle finished her opener with the audience singing along to the awaited “abcdefu.”

AJR

Bringing you along their whimsical adventures, AJR stirs nostalgia of childhood memories while instilling wanderlust in those young at heart. Throughout the night, the songs were presented with stunning visuals that transport the audience into their music. Amidst larger-than-life study rooms (“3 O’Clock Things”), high-school throwbacks (“Joe”), and underwater prisons (“Way Less Sad”), AJR dabbled in teleportation across the stage (“Burn the House Down”) and painting sounds with drums (“Ordinaryish People”). However, I found AJR’s free spirited dancing much more captivating. Brimming with energy, the endless charisma AJR hold has brought wide grins, earnest laughs, and loving cheers. Carried on by the zest of “World’s Smallest Violin,” the crown was even thrown into a frenzy.

Sharing origin stories of humble beginnings as artists, AJR reminds us that success is not always guaranteed. In doing so, the passion they hold for what they do became clear. However, their brilliance also became apparent as they led us through the creation of “Weak.” From building up how they arranged the composition, AJR surprised us by turning a baby’s cries into such a distinctive melody! Being able to learn about themselves and their music brings us closer to them from the audience. Certainly, the honesty and relatability of their songs is what makes them more enjoyable. Ending the night, AJR calls on the support of the audience to confront fears and doubts by pushing the button. In reflection of oneself, AJR imparts strength, but also comforting reassurance, to our own struggles.