Review By Jade Richelle | Photos by JESS BECK

tik tok | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify

Sizzy Rocket walked on stage with a strut that caught everyone's attention. Once she reached center stage, she pulled out a classic Maria Brink move, shaking her outstretched hands in a bid for noise from the audience. Rocking some heart-polka-dotted platform boots and a newspaper print dress straight out of The Shining, Sizzy kept the strut going through her whole set, throwing her hair every which direction in the process. I bet her chiropractor makes bank.

Beginning with "I'm That Bitch" and ending with a track inspired by the Marcy Playground hit, "Smells Like Sex", Sizzy Rocket made it no secret what she was about: Shock, sex appeal, attention, and self-expression. Although she didn't have a full band to back her, that doesn't mean she can't play. She pulled out a guitar for a few songs and a keytar a little while later, to roaring cheers from the ever hospitable Minnesota audience. Throughout her performance, I saw and heard pieces of many influential artists; goes to show that not only is Sizzy Rocket passionate about performing, she's done her homework on what works in a live setting. When I got home, I looked up her original audition video for America's Got Talent many years ago and I gotta admit, I'd love to see her bring back some of her younger authenticity. Sizzy Rocket is at the beginning of a potentially long career in music and performance; let's hope she can make her own unique mark on the industry. For now, catch her desecrating stages with her lyrics, gestures, twerking, and hair-messing-up antics.

And whatever you do, DO NOT look her up on your work computer unless you REALLY like meetings with HR. Your boomer boss wouldn't understand.

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

Holy. Crap. Pale Waves out of Manchester, UK is a must-see. Formed in 2014 by openly queer vocalist Heather Baron-Gracie and drummer Ciara Doran, Pale Waves is on a mission to create great music and increase LGBTQ+ representation. And honestly a quick rundown of their most popular tracks shows the level of success they're having on that mission. Their early work hits more of an electro-indie pop vibe, while the 2022 album Unwanted dives into heavier guitar, melodies and themes. The way the band mixed these sounds in their setlist, alternating between heavy and soft was impressive in and of itself.

Opening with certified banger "Lies" and moving through such hits as "She's My Religion" and "There's A Honey," they even found time to fit in their brand new single, "Perfume." Like, it came out 3 days ago. Check it below…

Anyway, I'll be there next time Pale Waves comes back across the pond. (See what I did there?) I hope you're there too, because these awesome humans are about to be global superstars. Just watch.

PVRIS

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TIK TOK | spotify

And finally, we were transported to FRVNCE. I'm kidding, but the ensemble led by vocal powerhouse Lynn Gunn and known as PVRIS took the stage. I had to grab some earplugs simply due to the roar from the crowd as the first notes rang out. I'm not sure who was more excited, the band or the audience. While PVRIS keeps a somewhat mysterious image on stage, you could have cut the love and joy in the air with a knife.

It's like PVRIS took the opposite road from Pale Waves. Initially founded as a post hardcore band, Gunn in her commitment to stay ever evolving, has leaned more into the electronic vibe as time goes on. And that's not a bad thing. Starting the set with "GOOD ENEMY" gave a bit of an old school La Roux feel; a pleasant surprise. Moving through the night, PVRIS was just honestly explosive. Gunn's vocals soared over the fog-filled room while the crowd was basically 1000 individual dance parties all happening together. PVRIS played an impressive 19+ songs, mixing the old and the new. If you've ever just kind of lost track of time and everything around you at a concert, you may have been to a PVRIS show. Seriously, these folks bring a whole ass mood to the night and we all left the venue just high on life. Do yourself a favor and grab tickets to the remaining tour dates, ya hear?

I have to admit, seeing so many positive LGBTQ+ artists in one show, in Minneapolis, DURING Pride Month, was a wicked cool experience. Even with the construction out front, the staff at Uptown Theater was great as always! Special thanks to Lauren for putting up with my awful jokes when I set off the metal detectors and to my new friend Karen! To the rest of you concert junkies, keep wearing deodorant, be a little kinder today than you were yesterday, and come say hi at the next show!