Photos by Kylee Winn
Sigrid delivers a sucker punch of powerful pop to a jam packed crowd at the Danforth.
The last time I saw Sigrid, I was squeezed into the Velvet Underground, and she hadn’t even released a full EP; now she’s back with a sold out show and a full album. The Danforth is packed out tonight and people fill the ground floor right to the edges of the room. The balcony has a good amount of parents and young ones at this all ages gig, I even saw a tiny baby up there. I hope they found some ear protectors small enough for the wee ‘un before show time.
The band enter the stage on a raised dais with Sigrid down front, close to the crowd and ready to unleash her springer spaniel energy. Sucker Punch opens the show and sets the tone for a run through of the new album and Raw EP at a full gallop. Sigrid’s debut album delivers stadium pop led by a powerful voice and boundless energy rather than props and gimmicks. And with the band separated up on their own riser, the focus is completely on Sigrid. There are plenty of clap-along moments instigated by the band and by Sigrid herself who claps against her forearm with one hand while holding her mic in the other. The songs are designed to rouse the crowd into jubilant sing along choruses, however some feel like formulaic chants and refrains rather than well crafted, thoughtful poetry.
Dynamite is a highlight of the set and one of Sigrid’s most emotionally deep songs. She plays well while alone on stage with just a piano for company. As her self-proclaimed saddest song, it’s not long before the crowd lift up their phones. Being at the back of the crowd I realised there’s nothing less magical than a sea of phones seen from behind; from that vantage it’s just a hundred home screens. Call me old fashioned but I’d prefer lighters and a slight risk of singed hair.
Several times during the set the house lights come up, shining on the crowd so that Sigrid can soak up the adoration, humbly accept the cheers and applause and probably catch her breath. There’s a lot of energy in the room, especially with Strangers coming near the end of the set; everyone is on their feet and hollering the words. Strangers is Sigrid at her best, delivering high energy pop that will keep the crowds coming back for more.
