Clairo brings her charming set to London’s Eventim Apollo
The star brought her 3rd album to the capital.
Photo: Press
They say third time’s a charm, but touring her latest studio album of the same name, Clairo reassures us that we’ve always been under her spell. The Atlanta-born singer rose to fame in 2017 with Pretty Girl – a sugary sweet tune that ushered in a new wave of lo-fi bedroom pop. Though she may be renowned for her softly spoken vocals and shy demeaner, it’s crystal clear from the buzz of Hammersmith that Clairo has entered a new era.
Back on her 2019 Immunity tour, the singer was set against the backdrop of flower fields and clouds, reflecting the album’s light ethereality. Five or so years later, she now stands with a certain old-school swagger. Surrounded by a glitter curtain and accompanying band, the set-up resembles something of a live television performance from one of the 70s giants that no doubt inspired her third album. But even as she channels Carole King and Joan Baez, Clairo finds harmony in both the old and new, fortifying this hybrid space of indie pop and psychedelic folk as her own.
The night opens with Nomad – a tender, longing track that breathes life into an already enthused crowd. It’s the perfect tune heard over a reflective Sunday morning coffee, but its fairy-tale like quality also makes it the perfect introduction to an album that so intimately details the nuances of falling in love. Following tracks Second Nature invite the audience to playfully sing-along with her quaint “duh-dums”, whilst Thank You serves as an impressive showcase for the singer’s nostalgic blending of woodwind and percussion.
Nostalgia certainly seems to be a recurring theme of the evening. Even as we bear witness to the artist blossoming before our very eyes, she stays true to her roots. Moving through the gentle lo-fi beats of Flaming Hot Cheetos into the delicate and introspective Bambi, it’s evident that this is an artist willing to self-reflect concurrently as she transforms. Once we reach 4-EVER, Clairo is overcome by the audience belting every lyric in unison. It’s a sweet moment that reminds us of the musician’s unmistakable softness and humility. Although she needn’t be modest: she’s skyrocketing to music legend – the zeal of the audience is simply evidence of the fact.
The huge surprise of the night came in Steeeam, a hidden gem of a track from Shelly’s 2020 EP (a short-lived collaboration between Clairo and friends). The never-before-played live song was met with an uproarious response from the crowd — and quite rightly so; it’s an absolute banger of a track that perfectly underscores the artist’s vocal versatility.
She closes with her definitive track Sofia, as the crowd enter what could best be described as a soft mosh pit. It’s a very Clairo-esque ending to an evening of soulful music that’s cherished so palpably by her fans. Walking out into the foyer, people swarm to buy their “I got charmed by Clairo” t-shirts and, if truth be told, it’s hard to think of a more apt description.
Clairo Setlist:
Nomad
Second Nature
Thank You
Softly
Flaming Hot Cheetos
How
Bambi
Terrapin
Add Up My Love
North
Echo
Glory of the Snow
Slow Dance
Partridge
4EVER
Amoeba
Steeeam
Bags
Sexy to Someone
Juna
Sofia