In a night filled with raw emotion and electrifying energy, Mitski brought her captivating presence to the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles as part of her tour, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We. With a setlist spanning her renowned career, Mitski delivered a performance that was both intimate and expansive, showcasing her prowess as a musician and storyteller.
The evening kicked off with the haunting strains of “Everyone,” setting the tone for a night of introspection and revelation. Mitski stepped out on stage to fans cheering on in excitement. As she began singing, she moved behind a giant curtain draped down in the center of the stage, singing to us as her shadow. When the song came to an end, the curtains unveiled Mitski once again. Mitski’s voice soared through the auditorium, captivating the audience with its ethereal beauty. As she transitioned seamlessly into the brooding melodies of “Buffalo Replaced” and “Working for the Knife,” it became evident that this would be a show unlike any other.
Mitski knows how to mesmerize her audience through her dancing on stage. Her emotions truly speak not only through her singing but her movements and dancing on stage. Her unique choreography and personification of everyday objects, such as chairs and light, took us many through stories. As she sang her song “Heaven”, Mitski creatively used a light cast down on stage as a dance partner. It was so intriguing.
One of the standout moments of the night came with Mitski’s performance of “The Frost,” a haunting ballad that shimmered with longing and melancholy. With each note, Mitski seemed to dive into the depths of human emotion, drawing the audience into her world with a magnetic force.
As the night progressed, Mitski delved into songs both old and new, each one resonating with its unique power. Tracks like “The Deal,” “Valentine, Texas,” and “I Bet on Losing Dogs” showcased Mitski’s ability to craft evocative narratives that spoke to the complexities of love and loss. And when Mitski launched into the explosive chorus of “Geyser,” the crowd erupted into a frenzy of applause and admiration.
But perhaps the most poignant moment of the night for me came during Mitski’s “My Love Mine All Mine”. Mitski stood center stage as broken reflective pieces hovered around her. It looked like a live painting before us. It was stunning. She sang to us tenderly and motherly.
As the concert drew to a close, Mitski treated the audience to a selection of her beloved songs, including “I Don’t Smoke,” “Love Me More,” and “Fireworks.” And with her final encore, a stirring rendition of “Nobody” followed by the groove of “Washing Machine Heart,” Mitski left the audience with a sense of longing.
Through her evocative storytelling and raw vulnerability, Mitski proved once again why she stands as one of the most captivating artists of her generation.
MITSKI
Photos + Review by Natasha Agharabi | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!
