Music, fashion, and film have been completely revolutionized for me after this concert. Following Charli’s Brat Summer, I wondered how she could match, or even exceed, the emotional vulnerability of Brat. After the release of Music, Fashion, Film, I grew worried that she was pivoting toward a more indie-rock approach than her signature hyperpop.
However, on a Wednesday night, October 19th, I entered the Viejas Arena’s gate, blown by the holy presence of Underscores, adding fuel to a fire that has been burning eternally for a crowd waiting to be freed by Charli XCX’s performance. It was like Brat Summer yoinked me from the club to do a 360 into Viejas Arena and come out with 365 days to repent for being a man. Never having been to this venue, I was shaken by the scenery of the low gender ratio of 10:1, of course, me being the latter. Nothing else mattered once the stage was set as escapism of perfection hit me at full volume.
Underscores brightens the dance floor with her superb performances of “Do It” and “Music,” where even I was joining the mosh from my stadium seat. I’m in love with the giant light stick that she carries on her back, as it’s a literal art statement of being part of the Hyperpop Avengers. From digital background dancers to K-pop-inspired lightsticks from loyal fans, she lived up to being the perfect opener for Charli XCX.
From bright lights to a darker night…a pyramid of podiums with caged lights and an absurdly large speaker on top appears. Charli emerges as the artistic revolution our generation needs. I thought the music had already started, but it was just the loudness of countless fans in the stands that asserted her festival headlining presence. She appears with her band that fills the entire stadium with the maximum volume of live drums and guitar that made me headbang so early into the night.
In response to the band, a sudden fashion show runway pops up with models (her backup dancers) that had me gagged. She disappears into the dark until she rises with her band once again, reminding the crowd her music isn't gonna stop at Brat. This was prolonged throughout the concert, with seamless song transitions such as “360” to “365”, with distorting lights transforming the entire arena into a rave scene, then colorful scenery that lets you breathe and discover your club persona. Did I mention she threw her panties into the crowd? Yeah. A cannon full of them during her song “Guess”.
Oblivion is freedom, and no one lasts forever. The show leaves you with this message: that with music, fashion, film, or anything art-related, you shall live on eternally. I leave this review with the utmost fomo ever of not experiencing Brat Summer, and with hundreds of photos that are all-nighter-worthy.