Review: Poppy on the Godless / Goddess Tour

Words by Emma Fischer

Photos by Grant Ivie

The Pom Pom squad took the stage first. There were no literal pom poms to be seen but the name proved to be fitting for their cute but grunge aesthetic. The lead singer came to the stage adorned in gorgeous makeup and a poofy dress. She was accompanied by her band, playing alternative rock that contradicted her soft aesthetic. They were great performers and a treat to watch. 

PVRIS then followed with an equally electric set. She is touring following the release of her “EVERGREEN” album. The stage was set with mossy greenery surrounding her drummer and guitarist. A forest scene was projected onto the backdrop. It made the stage feel like an immersive forest. After her set was over I saw an opening in the crowd and took my opportunity. I was going to get as close to Poppy herself as I could. I found my spot and waited for her to appear on stage.

Now, you can’t talk about Poppy without associating her with the“I’m Poppy” videos that went viral. I mentioned Poppy to my brother and he didn’t recognize who she was until I quoted the video to him, trying to imitate her voice. It’s simply iconic. Seeing her in person seems almost impossible, but the show makes perfect sense when you view it as another piece of performance art that is just an extension of her online videos. She has cultivated a persona through her internet videos that paints her as a mysterious figure and maintains that in her music and onstage. All of it plays perfectly into the relationship that artists have with their fans that often leaves them feeling like godlike figures already. She even has her own gospel. 

It was fitting that she started off the show with a dialogue featuring her iconic voice, as well as the “Voice” that is featured in her original videos. The words displayed on the giant screen in glitching, pixelated fonts as if we are looking at some sort of computer screen. The monologue ended with the iconic “Hi, I’m Poppy” and she appeared on stage. She was flanked by a guitarist and drummer each on their own platform and wearing masks, perhaps to conceal their identities. When she did speak it felt like I was watching one of her videos live. She talked directly to the crowd but never responded back to them. 

The music itself was genre bending, a mashup between hyperpop and heavy metal. It was both high energy and filled with rage. Fans screamed along to the lyrics, jumping and dancing around. There was not a single dull moment in the set. I will definitely be going back to find some of the songs that I now have stuck in my head and maybe binge some of her music videos.

At the show I got to see a Poppy that I didn’t expect. She jumped around the stage singing and often screaming the lyrics. It was a side of her that was much more expressive than what I imagined, even catching glimpses of what appeared to be real smiles. I couldn’t help but smile back, being starstruck by the performance she put on. I quickly became a follower of Poppy myself. It was clear to me why her fans love her. She is the perfect package of what a superstar should be: a talented performer, singer, and dancer. It all works and she does it flawlessly. She is definitely an artist you should keep your eye on.