In a room full of people awestruck by ethereal melodies, differences melt away to leave only human connection shining through. Alice Phoebe Lou articulates this flawlessly in “Dusk”, singing “but the world don't matter when we’re looking at each other.” That sentiment felt strikingly tangible on Saturday, April 18 at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, as Lou serenaded an eager crowd with her angelic voice and tender lyrics. About halfway through her Oblivion North American Tour, Alice Phoebe Lou dazzled with the energy of someone pouring it all out to live her dream each night.  

From the moment the lights flickered on, it was clear that Lou designed the night to reflect the purpose behind her introspective discography. John Andrews set the stage with his earnest songwriting, the audience listening to his solo performance with an attentive silence seldom offered to opening acts. When Alice Phoebe Lou waltzed on stage with flowing hair and a whimsical purple dress that shimmered with every footstep, a sea of eyes glowed with excitement. She emerged not with a bang but with a confident calmness that charmed every soul in the room. Lou's first words to her fans were not lyrics but a raw moment of thanks for joining her in this vulnerable experience of just her and her instruments without a band. 

The opening lyrics of “Hammer” flowed out of Lou’s mouth with a rare vocal clarity and elegance that made time stand still for a moment. Orange lights made a halo around her silhouette as she swayed with passion and grace through the first few songs on her acoustic guitar. For the first time in years she decided to share “How to Get Out of Love” on this tour. She joked with the crowd, “this is way too depressing but you guys must love a sad song if you’re here, you did it to yourselves.” Two girls shared an intimate moment, lost in each other's eyes as they held each other close and danced along. 

Transitioning to piano, Lou’s disarming honesty once again shone through as she admitted that she’s not a pianist but wanted to share the songs in the form that she wrote them. Mesmerizing blue and purple light floated over her as she played notes sounding like raindrops and melted into the moment. The alluring performance continued with glittery tracks played on the omnichord, energy building into a sing-a-long cover of “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young. Ending with “Witches” as the encore completed Lou’s musical journey, as fans could let loose and groove through the final moments of the show. 

Adjectives aren’t enough to encapsulate the exceptional experience of Alice Phoebe Lou’s live solo performance. Sharing that she was scared to play alone in a big city on a Saturday night, the crowd was a community that welcomed and celebrated her. For such a highly attended show, the night still felt like an intimate listening room experience. Alice Phoebe Lou demonstrated first hand that less is often more. She didn’t need theatrics to captivate, her raw talent speaks for itself. Once a street performer, she still craves connection with her listeners, but now the world is lucky enough to hear her far and wide.

Photos and review by Lena Krone