In a world where genres blur and boundaries dissolve, Poppy reigns supreme as an artist who continues to push the envelope of creativity and sonic exploration. Her latest tour, GODLESS/GODDESS, arrived in Los Angeles at The Wiltern on Thursday (August 24), and it was nothing short of a mesmerizing role-playing video game adventure brought to life on stage.
From the moment the curtains drew back, it was evident that we were about to embark on a religious musical experience like no other. The show opened up with a prayer to Poppy: “Our God; Our shining light,” as a voice from the visual screen leads the crowd in a plea for love, candy, fashion, music, dancing, screaming, singing, cats, and worship.
The crowd roared in anticipation as Poppy appeared on stage, shrouded in an aura of mystique, her presence electrifying. She opened with her hit song “BLOODMONEY,” demanding that we “beg for forgiveness from Jesus the Christ.” It’s a commanding start to a show that is both exhilarating and emotionally resonant, making us ready to get on our knees for Poppy from the start.
Drawing inspiration from popular RPG video games, the stage was transformed into a fantastical realm where every note, every lyric, is a part of the epic scene. Dazzling light displays and a stunning silver costume took the audience on a visual rollercoaster ride that perfectly complements the sonic adventure that unfolded before us.
Poppy’s performance itself is a revelation. Her vocal range is as dynamic as ever, seamlessly transitioning from ethereal crooning to powerful, guttural roars that would make even the heavens and hell entranced. She delivered songs like “CHURCH OUTFIT” and “BITE YOUR TEETH” with a ferocity that shook the venue before switching to a sweet anime-like vulnerability with songs like “HYSTERIA” and “KNOCKOFF.”
But what truly sets this performance apart is Poppy’s innate ability to connect with her audience. She weaves a narrative throughout the show, inviting us into her world and making us feel like active participants in her story. The crowd reciprocates with an energy that is palpable, and this symbiotic relationship between artist and audience elevates the concert to a level of personal connection that is rarely seen in such intimate productions.
Poppy’s ability to channel the energies of both Lady Gaga and Corey Taylor, blending pop extravagance with rock intensity, is a testament to her artistic genius. This is showcased during her performance of “HARD” as she plays the electric guitar. It’s as though she has created a love child of these two iconic performers, and that child has grown into a deity of its own making: Poppy.
As the night culminated with deafening applause after her closing song “SPIT,” Poppy emerged one last time for the encore performing “CONCRETE,” leaving us with a sense of wonder and awe.
We’re particularly moved by Poppy’s message of self-acceptance and individuality. In a world that often tells us to conform, Poppy is a beacon of hope for those who dare to be different. She reminds us that we are all unique and special, and that we should never be afraid to be ourselves.
In the end, Poppy’s GODLESS/GODDESS Tour at The Wiltern is more than just a concert; it is a transcendent experience that transports us to a realm where music, visuals, and emotion converge in perfect harmony. It leaves us in no doubt that Poppy is not only an artist for the present but also a visionary for the future of music. Her tour is a must-see, a testament to the boundless possibilities of the musical universe she continues to explore.
We left Poppy’s concert feeling inspired, empowered, and more confident in my own identity. If this concert were a church congregation, we would gladly attend daily.
