Concert Review: Oliver Tree: Alone In A Crowd Tour
In the aftermath of the global pandemic, our consumption of media online has become a lifeline. In our toughest moments, music and the presence of meme culture have emerged as unlikely heroes, offering a reprieve from the turmoil. In this transitional period, they have breathed a much-needed sense of levity and community into our culture. Enter Oliver Tree, whose creative persona serves as a physical manifestation of this cultural shift. With his quirky charm and unapologetically eccentric style, Tree stands out as a beacon of excitement and comic relief amidst the heaviness of the world around us. At the infamous Hammerstein Ballroom, this sentiment rang true as the fans gripped the barricade in anticipation of what was hyped up to be a whirlwind of a show.
Tree lined up a stacked bill for this tour which included Tree’s DJ supergroup Super Computer, Ohio-based rapper Jasiah, and garage rock phenomenon FIDLAR, who we caught a week prior as they headlined Toad’s Place in Connecticut. Covering a taste of Oliver’s musical taste, this combination of artists hit every nerve with the audience.
From the moment Jasiah walked onto the stage, he injected a burst of energy into the room that set the stage ablaze. His physicality was on par with Oliver’s, jumping around the stage constantly. Giving a passionate vocal delivery, Jasiah spat rapid-fire verses out at the audience, leaving them hanging on his every word. What stood out most was Jasiah's sincere connection with the crowd, an unexpected and refreshing touch that made his performance more authentic. This genuine connection, combined with his electrifying stage antics, created an unforgettable experience for the crowd that resonated long after the final note faded away.
With Oliver’s love for electronic music, there was no question that DJs like Super Computer were going to be featured on the bill. Coming out with their working computer masks on, the duo lit up the room with their pulsating beats and colorful visualizers. They may not have moved around very much, but the crowd certainly did. With a sea of people bobbing their heads to their beats, the group wanted to make their performance memorable, so memorable that they “hypnotized” the crowd into following up with them online. Did it work? I guess you’ll have to look them up online to find out.
For those who weren’t quick enough, they might have missed FIDLAR’s opening performance. Leaving all that they had to say to the music, they played a short, quick set, making them undeniably exciting to watch. Each song, from hits like “Cheap Beer” to recent bangers like “Nudge”, was punchy and animated, thrashing the crowd around, and giving them a taste of whiplash. If you enjoy music based on rock and punk filled with rambunctious energy, I can’t encourage going to see a headlining show from the band. They take the saying, “Fuck It Dawg, Life’s a Risk,” to a whole different level.
Throughout the show, Oliver sang the crowd through a 3 act play of his musical eras and character personas, each differentiated by his outfit changes. Dawning first his red art-deco-styled puffer and his short bobbed wig, Oliver opened the show as Cornelius Cummings, the star of his most recent album, “Alone in a Crowd”. His uninhibited stage presence, marked by a fearless attitude, electrifies the theater. Commanding the stage, Tree sings “Miss You,” “Bounce,” and “Essence”, setting the stage for an exhilarating show.
Alongside much of his opening lineup, Oliver tends to keep the lyrics and messaging of his music straightforward, aiming to create a fun escape for fans while maintaining an open dialogue about his struggles and vulnerabilities. The unpredictability of his stage presence, marked by unconventional antics and a fearless attitude, resonates deeply with fans who appreciate the genuine and unapologetic nature of his performances. Some may write him off right away for his goofy approach, but in this depressing time we live in, I think many see past the presentation and enjoy the authenticity in it. Talking to Billboard, Oliver said, "I spent a lot of time making music, and no one cared. Then I realized that looking silly actually worked. It's not just about my music; it's about reflecting on how crazy things are in society. Even though things seem dumb, trying new things is how you come up with something fresh." In an alienating world, we seek solace in the community and our interests. An Oliver Tree show is the perfect place to take a break from the bullshit and surrender to the ridiculousness.
Halfway through the setlist, Oliver switched things up and donned his cowboy getup to play hits from his country-inspired album, “Cowboy Tears”. His performance style is a captivating blend of theatricality and raw emotion, as he seamlessly transitions between characters. Despite Tree calling the album a “commercial failure,” the crowd's reaction disavows that perspective. Clips from the music videos for “Cowboy’s Don’t Cry” and “Swing and a Miss” play in the background as the audience lights up the room with their cellphones in a united front. Oliver's magnetic appeal on and off the stage lies in his wild yet unapologetically honest delivery.
Closing out the show, Oliver retreated to his original persona, Scooter God, dawning his signature look, his purple and pink 80s windbreaker and oversized Jnco jeans. With his debut album, “Ugly is Beautiful,” Tree delved into his rock roots, creating a collection of energetic songs featuring a strong blend of rock, electronic, and hip-hop. Nothing got the crowd more excited than hearing Tree’s songs “Alien Boy” and “Life Goes On”.
From infomercials to big acoustic guitars, audiences can look forward to an unforgettable, rambunctious, multi-dimensional show laced with satire, eccentricity, and fun. Always setting the bar high for himself, Tree delivers on his promises of creating an immersive and entertaining journey for fans to revel in.
The Alone In A Crowd Tour runs through till the end of February. You won’t wanna miss it! To see more photos from the show, visit our galleries.
