The Troubadour is a venue that holds an aura that is very intimate and nostalgic. So when an artist whose music feeds off of intricately nostalgic yet relatable moments performs there, it makes for a unique experience.
Phoebe Bridgers headlined the Troubadour in her hometown of Los Angeles, on Saturday, April 28th and it was exceptional for the reason above and many others. Having Lomelda open for her was the perfect segway into her set. Playing with only an electric guitar and a drum machine, Lomelda captured the audience's attention by her intriguing tunes that held so much complexity while still being so simple. She had some technical issues about halfway through her set, but due to that, we were able to hear a set that no other tour date had previously heard, as she played some new material.
Bridgers took the stage with her band casually, as if it had been something she had been doing her whole life, which on some level she has. The house lights were still on and the music was still playing over the speakers, but that didn't stop her and her band from taking their places behind their designated instruments to play their 41st set on this tour.
The twinkle lights around her mic stand and the drum kit lit up as the house lights went down and opening chords of "Smoke Signals" were played. The interesting component of this show that I haven't experienced at many other shows was the dead silence of the crowd, not for lack of knowledge of the music being played, but almost out of respect for the art that was unfolding. "Funeral" followed with its horror movie-like intro that quickly developed into a ballad centered around delicate vocals and acoustic guitar.
Bridger's songs are filled with sorrow and heavy emotion, but when she speaks casually she is full of light-hearted humor and sarcasm. In between songs she mentioned how the last time she played the Troubadour she was sixteen, paid to play, and wore a questionable outfit along with her dyed black hair. Much has changed in the seven years since and it's not just her hair, but also the fact that she was playing to a sold-out crowd who was captivated by every note.
After playing "Georgia" she brought out her friend Conor Oberst to sing "Would You Rather," which he contributes to on her album Stranger in the Alps, as well as covering the Simon Joyner tune "Double Joe." Oberst left the stage and the backdrop on the stage became illuminated by a black light revealing the ghost that's on the album cover. The lightbulbs that were placed around the stage started to fade in and out as the set continued, creating an ambiance that I didn't know was missing but was definitely necessary.
Bridgers didn't stop with one special guest as she then brought Noah Gundersen on stage, being introduced as both a friend and an enemy. They sang "Killer" together, which was a highlight of the night. Their voices complemented each other so, so well that it was quite literally "music to my ears."
"Waiting Room," a song that can be found somewhere on the internet was recorded in her friend's garage, during a subpar Protools session. Bridgers very much dislikes the version that is out in the world, but because it was requested she decided to play it while giving the disclaimer that it was very teenagery. The crowd loved every second of it.
The rest of her set was comprised of a cover of Tom Petty's "It'll All Work Out," more tunes off of her debut album, and lights ranging from orange to purple that enhanced the mood of each song which each shadow that they cast. During the supposed last song of her set, "Scott Street," Conor Oberst and some other friends joined her on stage. The sense of community radiated off the stage and into the audience as bubbles started to float down from the sound booth.
Bridgers left the stage, only to return for a two-song encore starting off with her rendition of "You Missed My Heart," by Mark Kozelek. She felt as though this was too sad of a note to leave the show on so her and her band played a cover of Sheryl Crow's "If It Makes You Happy." The whole crowd swayed and sang along. Although most of the music played that night was based on sad concepts and emotions, the energy in the room was that of joy and togetherness.
Music has the power to bring people together in all and any such way, and Phoebe Bridgers' album, Stranger in the Alps, makes it all the more enjoyable.