Lorde's Electrifying Birmingham Show: Pop Perfection at Utilita Arena

On a chilly November evening, the Utilita Arena in Birmingham was transformed into a sanctuary of warmth and pop perfection as Lorde took to the stage for a highly anticipated headline show.

A Confident Artist in Command

Performing in the city for the first time since May 2022, the New Zealand singer, Ella Yelich-O'Connor, demonstrated a remarkable evolution in her stage presence and artistry. The venue was packed with a diverse audience, a testament to her music's wide-ranging appeal that defies easy categorisation.

It's clear that the 29-year-old artist has absorbed lessons from her contemporaries. Her celebrated appearance on the 'Girl, So Confusing' remix with Charli XCX last year seems to have emboldened her, granting her a new subset of fans and a palpable comfort in celebrating her own sexuality on stage.

A Minimalist Yet Powerful Stage Production

Lorde's stage setup echoed a minimalist aesthetic, but it was far from simple. Unlike some of her peers, she was accompanied by a backing band that initially remained discreetly tucked away before emerging to play a vital role in the show's dynamic flow.

She was joined by two dancers whose seemingly casual movements were, in fact, incredibly well-choreographed. Together, they navigated a 23-song setlist that spanned all four of her albums, creating an intimate and powerful connection with the audience.

Memorable Moments and Artistic Flourishes

The concert opened with 'Hammer', the lead track from her new album 'Virgin', quickly building energy that erupted as Lorde stood alone in a spotlight for a rousing rendition of her global hit 'Royals'.

The production featured inventive props that enhanced the narrative of each song. During 'Buzzcut Season', Lorde sang into a giant fan, finishing the number pressed against its metal bars while staring intensely into a camera. For 'Supercut', she paced on a treadmill, physically manifesting the song's theme of struggling to keep pace with the memories of a failed relationship.

A newfound physical confidence was also on display. The performance of 'GRWM' saw her stripped down to her Calvin Klein boxers, which were then drenched by one of her dancers. Later, for 'Man of the Year', only strategically placed duct tape protected her modesty.

Yet, the performance retained a sense of youthful vulnerability. '400 Lux' concluded with Lorde and her dancers standing back-to-back in a triangle, passing a camera between them like teenagers creating a TikTok video. The poignant 'Big Star', written to process the grief of losing her dog Pearl in 2019, saw her, a dancer, and her guitarist lying on their backs, contemplating the ceiling like contemplative teens.

The night built to a crescendo with a back-to-back series of crowd favourites, including 'Team' and 'Green Light'. For the finale, 'David', Lorde donned a jacket covered in lights and walked into the crowd. A shortened encore of 'Ribs' closed the evening, with the singer warmly acknowledging those who had to leave early for public transport.

Nilüfer Yanya provided excellent support for the evening, her soulful voice adding a rich dimension to her well-crafted indie rock songs.

Full Setlist: