Paris Paloma At First Ave
Finally feeling like fall, the temperatures have finally dropped to normal autumn cool. I could sense a sort of calm in Minneapolis as I rode in on the lightrail, seeing the golden sunset reflect off of the building facades racing by with my fellow riders. That chill factor changed immediately once stepping off and into the warehouse districts. Pre season Wolves game in town, the bars and streets bustling with basketball anticipation.
Only having been there for drinks before, popped into Smorgie’s for a $12 smashburg (comes with tots, but they let me get a side Caesar cause they are cool.) Was messy but delicious, definitely will be back to haunt them soon. Made my way down to First Ave, a few blocks away. Plenty of concert-goers outside both the 7th St and First Ave entrances awaiting their respective shows. Chatted with a few people before going in, a couple very pumped to see Paris Paloma. Also found out the show was close to selling out! Great turnout for a cool Wednesday evening.
Inching closer to selling out, First Ave was getting nice and busy. Merch lines snaking around the floor, looks like shirts were sitting at $45. The designs were super cool, but just a squeak too rich for my blood. I have a stern limit of 40 bucks these days when it comes to tour tees. Opening the night would be Susannah Joffe. Some major Spotify streams, “Die Your Daughter” for example has now gotten to 112 MILLION, fingers crossed we were in for a treat of a performance. Or at least some catchy ass tunes. Thankfully, both proved true. Starting right on the dot of 7:30pm, accompanied by her band, Joffe took the stage in a gauzy flowing skirt, sparkling heels, and princess tiara to plenty of cheer.
Though indie-pop, her Austin roots came out a few songs in to her set, “Texas Baby” in particular was very well received even with it being a bit more country flavor than most of the other songs performed. Her voice is airy and breathy, romantic in just the right ways. Youthfully moody but doesn’t fall trap to relying on saccharine tropes and motifs for emotive pull. The valid angst is felt aa through that generation, birthing some powerful lyrics like any turbulent times can. Dug the “Happiness Is A Myth” hat I spied on the guitarist’s head, saw that in their merch area before the show as well. Really enjoyed Joffe’s presence on stage, and the fans showed up to loudly concur. Popularity online doesn’t always match ticket sales, glad this one was a full cup of success for Susannah. Fantastic job.
Officially SOLD OUT! So freakin’ exciting when that happens during the show itself. On top of that, a bit of money went to a cause close to so many people’s hearts and in so many minds, “$1 from each ticket sold will be donated to Planned Parenthood to support access to sexual and reproductive care and education.” The audience was amped, ready for Paris Paloma to start her most anticipated set. “The Fatal Flaw” tour would soon prove why it sold out with all the vibrancy and creative flow emulated from Paris Paloma on stage.
Having talked to a few die-hard fans earlier in the night, they said I was in for a magical time. Now I get the hype of seeing her live. Melting onto the stage in a flowing black lace dress, you could feel the strength and gentleness she shines immediately. Sounding almost better live than on the record, her voice floats and falls with so much gusto without feeling forced. Also having a knack for what her audience needs, made sure to hold her notes along with her poses just the right amount of time. Beaming smiles from the front row, I turned my gaze towards the back of the filled venue floor. Everyone was transfixed on her every breath and motion she made. Loved seeing her golden hair cascading around her as she was bathed in crisp white light. So many of my personal favorites were played, including “Stem The Flow” as the opening jam. Condemning generative AI as so many artists are thankfully doing, talked about one of her favorite creators Hayao Miyazaki being inspiration for his continuing distaste and repulsion for it.
Some supremely terrifying ascendency of artificial intelligence must be fought and combated at every turn. Paris Paloma’s lyrics are incredibly cognisant and highlight that attitude I wish would be the dominant one. A wonderful and succinct line from her song “Miyazaki:” "Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind." What a lovely and evocative night of music. 11/10 show.
