Off the back of what was widely regarded to be 2015's must-have record in 'Art Angels', there's no question as to whether or not Grimes is ready to headline Academy sized venues. The answer is a resounding yes. On tonight's form, the question should be why isn't she playing even bigger venues.
Ignoring her more avant-garde first few records, tonight's setlist is drawn from the aforementioned 'Art Angels' and her widely regarded previous album 'Visions'. Whilst 'Visions' was a critical success, it's taken the release of 'Art Angels' to get Grimes, otherwise known as Claire Boucher, the attention she fully deserves. An opening double salvo of 'Genesis' and 'Realti' immediately captures the attention of the audience, who are enraptured from the get go, with their screams visibly overwhelming Boucher in between songs.
The frenetic energy of the raucous audience is matched onstage, as the chaotic 'Scream' sees Boucher channeling Yoko Ono, aptly screaming over a propulsive and euphoric beat. The effect, coupled with an extraordinary light show is frankly astonishing. Not only does Boucher herself have bundles of energy, giving everything she's got physically, she is also flanked by two mesmerising dancers, assisted with props ranging from hand-held lasers to knives. Suffice to say it's slightly more interesting than a Coldplay show.
Whilst much of her extraordinary new album is showcased tonight, a real standout of the set comes in the form of a reworked 'Be A Body', already a highlight from 'Visions', tonight it is re-imagined, as though the original version has somehow taken far too much speed. Much of what makes tonight so special is not just Grimes and her cohorts on stage, but the audience. Whilst there's an infectious energy onstage, every single word is not just sung along, but screamed by the crowd. You wouldn't expect a circle pit to open up at a Grimes show, but it does.
The question posed earlier was why isn't Grimes playing larger venues. Despite her surge in popularity, perhaps her music is still slightly too leftfield for the possibility of arenas to be considered. Not only this, prior to the final song of the evening, Grimes explains her reason for not doing an encore – her stage fright. This seems quite surprising given how comfortable she appears to be in performing and hopefully it's something that she's able to overcome given the quite palpable love her audience has for her. A chaotic, barnstorming finale of 'Kill V Maim' concludes the evening and there's no need for an encore, because quite frankly, there's nothing else left to give. How can you ask for more when you've been given such a mesmerizing, formidable and breathtaking show?
There are no real other options to consider. Without doubt, Grimes is the most inventive, interesting and frankly important pop star around at the moment. We recently lost an icon and true innovator in David Bowie; maybe that should serve as a reminder for us to savour what we do have whilst we have it. Grimes is here. Be thankful and enjoy her while you can.
FUTURE GIGS
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