Concert Review: Melanie Martinez
Melanie Martinez is in the thick of the Portals world tour bringing the charming fantasy she has created during her latest album of the same name, to life. As fans flocked to the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater, they brought with them their own artistic interpretations of Melanie's albums, transforming the venue into a vibrant tapestry of fashion and creativity. For her album "Portals," fans emerged in outfits inspired by the cottegecore aesthetic, swamps-like elements, and fantasy, exuding an ethereal charm. Meanwhile, fans emulating "Cry Baby" and "K-12" dawned baby pink dresses with platform shoes that carried a dark edge, reflecting the intricate duality of Melanie's music. The early arrival of these devoted fans showcased their deep anticipation, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening filled with excitement and anticipation.
Tanukichan opened the show with a setlist that progressively got louder and revealed more rock elements throughout their performance. The soft yet powerful vocals of Tanukichan's lead singer, Hannah Van Loon, evoked a strong sense of nostalgia, casting listeners back into their teenage bedrooms, where the weight of being a high school outcast felt paralyzing. Their fluent, grunge-like melodic tones washed away the concerns of everyday life and enveloped the audience. Although there wasn’t a very upfront physical reaction about how their music made audience members feel (less dancing, pointing and overall smiling), the audience still made sure to let the group know that their playing was appreciated at the end of every song. It was clear the choice to have Tanukichan as the opener of this tour was purposeful. The grunge-rock elements are clearly genres that inspire a lot of Melanie’s musical tastes. Additionally, a common theme within Melanie’s music highlights the trials and tribulations of being an outsider, even in storylines where Melanie has full control to portray herself in any position she wants. Rock, punk, grunge, and other more underground genres of music that can shape the musical style of bands like Tanukichan help provide a haven for those whose unique lifestyle breaks outside of tradition. For many of the fans here tonight, surrounding themselves with music like this is that safe space. Thankfully, Tanukichan helped set that tone.
As their set ended and the crowd chanted her name, there was no better time for Melanie to start the show.
This show heightens the themes and visuals from her latest captivating album, Portals, to create a visual spectacle unlike many have seen before. The stage was dressed to mimic all the characteristics of a mystical forest, featuring oversized mushrooms, color-changing vines, and much more. This paired well with her aesthetic visuals that invited attendees into her flourishing fantasy. Melanie has kept much of the setlist the same on his tour, opening with the tracks “DEATH,” “VOID,” and “TUNNEL VISION.” Setting the stage for the rest of the show, “DEATH” details Melanie’s rebirth into the next era of her musical career. As the iconic Cry Baby and K-12 eras have held a significantly tight grip around her image for many years, anyone can see how vital it is for Melanie to begin this newest evolution by reassuring fans that change isn’t always a bad thing, that after death life still goes on. Alongside an ensemble of enthralling backup dancers, I couldn’t have pictured a better way to set the stage for the rest of the show. Throughout the night, Melanie was outfitted in her pink prosthetic mask, a signature for this album. Although wearing this mask does take away the ability for the crowd to see her emotions reveal themselves in her facial features, she more than makes up for it by showing that emotion in her body movements and the tonality of her voice. Although she kept the personalized remarks to a minimum, it was clear Melanie loved engaging with the audience. Martinez was heavily in sync with her dancers, exemplifying the hardcore training they all must have endured before the tour began. That attention to detail truly united all of the immersive elements of this tour and does a wonderful job of maintaining the audience's attention.
Throughout the show, there were so many moments that really engaged me and the rest of the fans. During Melanie’s performance of her song "THE CONTORTIONIST," the atmosphere reached a fever pitch of excitement and anticipation. As the opening notes filled the venue, the crowd erupted into cheers, clearly recognizing the beloved track. Melanie's electrifying stage presence and heavily choreographed sequence captivated everyone in attendance. However, amidst the sea of fans, one particular individual caught the attention of everyone around them. Seizing the moment, a bold and talented fan suddenly broke into a self-choreographed routine down the floor aisle, performing an astonishing display of flexibility and artistry in the middle of the crowd. Initially, the crowd and I were momentarily fooled, assuming this was part of the show. However, it became clear towards the end of the track that this was a very prepared fan who had been planning this for some time. Although unexpected, the fan's impromptu performance served as a testament to the passion and dedication of Melanie's fans, willing to go above and beyond to express their love for her music.
Melanie Martinez's performance of "NYMPHOLOGY" was another highlight of the night, captivating the crowd with its infectious energy. As the song began, the venue was filled with contagious energy prompting them to dance and sway to the irresistible rhythm. The electrifying drum solo stole the spotlight, intensifying the atmosphere and prompting a wave of attendees to leave their seats and eagerly move closer to the front, completely captivated by the pulsating beats. The dancers' choreography was a sight to behold, perfectly synchronized and injecting an edgy vibe into the performance. At one memorable moment, the dancers raised their middle fingers in unison, adding a rebellious flair to the song. Melanie's interaction with the crowd was at its peak during "NYMPHOLOGY," as she encouraged the audience to sing along, building on her connection with the fans. It was a moment of unity and raw energy that made the performance of "NYMPHOLOGY" truly unforgettable.
These shows stand as a testament to Melanie’s growth within her personal and musical evolution. As massive of a creative undertaking as this album and tour must be for her, she seamlessly merged her musical and physical storytelling alongside her eye-catching visuals to create an immersive, unique, and emotionally resonant journey for her audience. Melanie Martinez has proved once again why she stands at the forefront of innovative and captivating pop-rock music.
Be sure to catch Melanie Martinez on tour this summer in a city near you! Check out our gallery to find more of our favorite shots from the show.
