This past week, Montreal wished a warm welcome to French-Algerian artist Lolo Zouaï and her opener, first-time visitor Amelia Moore. Lolo Zouaï’s music combines pop, R&B and hip-hop in an entrancing mix, blending melancholy and sensuality. Amelia Moore delivers soaring vocals on dreamy electronic tracks, making her the perfect opener for this ethereal experience.
Amelia took control of the crowd’s attention right away. She started her set by proclaiming: “My goal tonight is to make you fall in love with me if you don’t know me already,” and she did just that. Her set consisted of a variety of songs, from upbeat break-up songs like “Not Over My Ex” and “FUMD”, to more heartfelt songs like “I Feel Everything” and “Crybaby”. It’s safe to say her goal was not only to show off her vocal talent, but also get the crowd ready for Lolo, and she delivered on both fronts. Before finishing her set, she sang covers of “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stephani and “Kiss Me More” by Doja Cat.
Lolo’s set started off with “pl4yg1rl”, the first song off her new album of the same name, “PLAYGIRL.” Her stage setup set the mood, with amazing purple and pink lighting that highlighted her colourful Y2K clothing. She began her set, standing within a futuristic doll box, as if she was a Barbie come to life (and equipped with moon boots). Her high energy kept everyone excited for the next song, and her interactions with the crowd made everyone thrilled to be in her presence—the crowd’s energy never waned. The use of eccentric and constant lighting changes and movement created a euphoric environment in which everyone could simply be themselves and enjoy the music without restraint. The order of her set list made it easy to transition from high energy to more mellow vibes to slower-paced songs, allowing the crowd to completely feel every emotion with her without feeling jarred by the transitions between moods. She ended her set with her hit song “High Highs to Low Lows,” a crowd favourite.
But before saying goodbye, she came out to sing two more songs for her encore with “Crazy Sexy Dream Girl” and “Free Trial”. I left the concert feeling back in touch with my teenage self, transported to a colourful world of dolls come to life.
Review + photos – Daphne Miller
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