Tove Lo with Erik Hassle at Sound Academy

Photographs by Amy Buck.

Toronto was flying high with the queen of the clouds, Tove Lo at the Sound Academy on Tuesday night. The Swedish native is the newest phenomenon that has made considerable waves overseas this year. Her catchy single “Talking Body” is just one of the few songs that have certified Lo’s success with music fans and critics. She spent the summer building her fanbase at various festival rosters. With a new season upon us and a headlining tour fit for a queen, Tove Lo shows the world why her reign will never die.

The venue was packed to the brim, pumped with excitement. Lo opened with “Not on Drugs” and “We Got Love”, making the crowd come alive. She came out fierce as she performs the songs that reveal bits about her dysfunctional lifestyle with drugs, sex, and alcohol. Onstage, she’s charming and leisurely acrobatic, as she alternates between bouncing around and showcasing the relaxed beauty of her dreamy vocals. 

Her magnetic stage presence had everyone singing along to the tracks from her debut, Queen of the Clouds which Toronto has so warmly embraced.  Lo remembered the last time she was here, ‘the crowd was amazing to me then,’ she said. ‘And you’re still amazing to me now’. Although, Lo is not a strong live performer, she does not disappoint. 

For her encore, she chose “Habits (Stay High)” – making the Queen of the Cloud tour a truly eclectic night of pop goodness.

The opener for the evening was R&B sensation, Erik Hassle.  Hassle had the crowd in the palm of his hand as he performed songs from his latest EP, Somebody’s Party. He set the tone perfectly for Tove Lo, showcasing original material that was refreshing and fun to devour. If his set was a glimpse into what Hassle has in-store for his follow up from 2010 debut, Pieces, I can’t wait to see what he does next.