Review: Charli XCX broke through with ‘Brat’ memes. At the Forum, she proved her staying power

Review: Charli XCX broke through with 'Brat' memes. At the Forum, she proved her staying power

As a seasoned cinema devotee who’s been through countless pop culture revolutions, I can confidently say that Charli XCX has successfully ignited her own Brat Summer, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. With her unapologetic authenticity and knack for crafting catchy yet poignant tunes, she’s managed to carve out a unique niche that transcends gender norms and resonates with a diverse audience.


At the Kia Forum for the Charli XCX and Troye Sivan concert on Tuesday night, there was an unusually long line outside the men’s room. Upon entering, it became apparent why: The majority of people inside were women who were dressed in Charli XCX’s signature key-lime green from her summer album “Brat.

One woman remarked to her friend with a laugh, ‘This program is unique because it doesn’t focus on gender,’ she added, as her casual attire and subtle smoke trail seemed to echo the show’s inclusive vibe.

It turned out she was correct. Charli’s album launch in June marked the start of Brat Summer, the infamous and anticipated summer of 2024, where people yearned for fun amidst global turmoil. For a brief moment, it even influenced Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.

Review: Charli XCX broke through with 'Brat' memes. At the Forum, she proved her staying power

However, how does an artist such as Charli continue to maintain the spark of creativity, given that political figures no longer employ her typography?

As a passionate electronic pop music enthusiast who’s been chasing stardom for nearly two decades, I can tell you that finally seeing my dreams come true feels like a dream come true itself. Now, it’s all about ensuring that my music continues to hold significance for the next twenty years and beyond.

On the first night of a two-day performance, Charli, a profoundly self-aware pop songwriter, demonstrated the route we might take ahead. Far from just being a pop star, she is an artist deeply aware of fame’s intricate workings and its capacity to evoke both pleasure and anxiety. The best way to navigate this journey is by inviting many companions along.

You previously reserved a tour package featuring Sivan, a charismatic Australian artist known for his captivating falsetto and his recent foray into sensual house music on “Something to Give Each Other.” This booking was made prior to Charli’s rise to stardom during the summer. Now, as Sivan’s music seems fit for the vibrant atmosphere of Castro District bathhouses, he continues to captivate and intrigue listeners even more.

The rotating performance structure of this tour, where artists played three to four songs each before trading spots within the same set, showcased Charli’s spirit of sharing and enthusiasm for teamwork. This adaptability and sense of unity are what will keep her going strong.

A short set from the compelling British singer, DJ and label owner Shygirl kicked off the night with an apropos mix of pheromone-drenched, future-shock electronics. Her album “Nymph” deserves arena stages, and what a delight to see her find them.

Afterward, Sivan grabbed the baton, playing pulsating tunes that echoed desires such as “What’s the Time Where You Are?” and “Honey.” Over the course of his career, Sivan has evolved significantly from the angelic figure with striking azure eyes and incomparable cheekbones, and on club tracks like “Silly” and “Rush,” he moved as if he had experienced the entire spectrum of human experiences at a Berlin fetish club.

Review: Charli XCX broke through with 'Brat' memes. At the Forum, she proved her staying power

Additionally, it provided an opportunity for him to truly seize risks, such as the poignant, off-center ballad “One of Your Girls”: “Give me a call if you ever feel lonely / I’ll be like one of your friends or confidants / Share whatever you want, and I’ll keep it confidential.

In simpler terms, Charli has become well-known among pop fans, the LGBTQ+ community, and others. She was a whirlwind of black curls on one of L.A.’s largest stages, dancing wildly on the stage floor and exposing her underwear during the performance of her collaboration with Billie Eilish titled “Guess” (unfortunately, Eilish herself wasn’t present for this particular show).

charl’s performance setup was simple – there were no backup dancers or live band, only Charli XCX standing on a platform and surrounded by a large LED screen. It appeared that she was trying to remove any artificial elements from her celebrity status while still enjoying the benefits of fame.

Listening to and observing “Brat” served as a stark reminder of this record’s intelligence, as it introspectively evaluates its position within the pop universe on “Sympathy Is a Knife,” openly admitting the envies and uncertainties associated with public femininity on “Girl, So Confusing.” The song “Brat” masterfully executed one of the most challenging stunts in pop music. It’s an album that encapsulates the peculiarities of being a pop star, making its themes resonate through personal details.

In a rhythmic dance, Charli effortlessly transitioned between anthems such as “Von Dutch” and “365,” while seamlessly incorporating her classic hits like “Vroom Vroom” and tracks from “Barbie’s Speed Drive.” This showed that the artist’s ambition and commitment have consistently been evident throughout her career.

As I sat in the cinema, I could feel the ghostly presence of Charli’s late collaborator Sophie, a producer who poured her heart into the emotional depth of pop music, yet yearned for something beyond its tired tropes. Kesha stood by her side, breathing new life into “Tik Tok,” transforming it into a cornerstone of Charli’s unique, chaotic artistic vision and polished songwriting prowess. When Charli took the stage after-hours at the Boiler Room for her electrifying DJ performances on “365” or let loose, dancing wildly to “Blame It on Your Love,” she redefined what an artist at her level of fame could achieve.

Based on the vibrant green-clad crowd at the Forum, it seems that Brat summer might persist as Gen Z’s timeless version of Margaritaville – a carefree spirit associated with indulgence and rebellion. Charli has achieved her desire but recognizes the need to keep moving forward.

Read More

2024-10-16 22:31

Previous post American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez episode 6: Paranoia sets in (Review
Next post Eddie Redmayne fans declare him the ‘next James Bond’ after gushing over his ripped physique in The Day of the Jackal trailer