Grace Ives Sets the Stage for Arenas at Lincoln Hall
Article by Jack Iboshi, cover image courtesy of YouTube
The stage lights dimmed as an overflowing Lincoln Hall eagerly anticipated the surging synths for which Grace Ives has found her signature. Opening up with lead single “Avalanche,” the infectious and rapid tempo immediately brought the audience asway. Despite the tight feeling of a sold out crowd, Ives’ velvety vocals and airy stage presence navigated past the blockade of condensed bodies. Even as she expressed feeling nervous, her calm, charismatic presence onstage gave no sign of it. The effortless command of the crowd reflected why she has become such a prominent darling in the indie-pop scene.
Ives, who grew up in New York City, first began fine-tuning her sound while in her college dorm room. She debuted in 2016 with her DIY EP, “Really Hot,” and since has carved out her own solemn lane with a synth-heavy and lyricism-centered pop discography. Fresh off the release of her third studio album “Girlfriend” which arrived earlier this year, the “Girlfriend Tour” marks her second proper tour, spanning across the United States and Europe for the entirety of the spring. Ives has become acclaimed by publications and her contemporary pop peers, earning arena support slots for Robyn, Olivia Rodrigo, and Gracie Abrams, all set to take place over the next year.
The Lincoln Hall show was opened by Whu Else, a Midwest native whose sound blended together Grace Ives’ signature heavy synth with a fresh rap and hip-hop influence. Despite it being one of their first time touring, they commanded the stage with ease, quickly loosening up a crowd that arrived expecting the high level of artistry and energy set by Ives herself. Keeping it short yet punchy, Whu Else ended their performance leaving the audience buzzed and ready for the rest of the evening.
As Ives took the audience on a smooth journey across her discography, her setlist perfectly blended jolting pop bangers like “Dance With Me” with her classy and airy ballads like “Now I’m.” Ives brought the sold-out venue to its knees as she tugged at the crowd’s emotions during a fiery performance of “My Mans.” Shifting away from her playful, angelic hops around the stage during the earlier more upbeat songs, she stood behind her keyboard in the far back corner. She rode the the fiery, convulsing beat effortlessly, belting the bridge with flawless vocals and the gut-wrenching passion it deserved.
When the night began to close out, Ives returned to center stage for a head-thrashing performance of “Stupid Bitches.” Her signature pink hair, spotlighted on her most recent album cover, melted into a matching strobing haze. One final time, she brought the audience to their feet before slipping back behind the curtains.
