On Saturday, April 17th, PVRIS performed their new album Use Me live for the very first time. PVRIS, originally a five-person metalcore group from Massachusetts, now consists of only two members, Lynn Gunn and Brian MacDonald, and has drastically shifted their style. PVRIS’s third record, Use Me, fused various genres of music, including electro/synthpop and alternative rock into a cohesive, dreamy record.
Before the live show began, viewers enjoyed three pre-recorded tracks off of the album, each accompanied by dazzling visuals that matched the general feel of the song. During “January Rain,” black and white raindrops appeared to be falling onto the camera, giving the illusion of laying on the ground, looking up into the sky, and watching the rain fall from above. These visuals helped to set the otherworldly, beautiful tone of the live performance that followed. Eventually, the screen cut to an analog clock with a countdown as the audience chat barely kept up with eager fans.
Gunn appeared to be alone on a dark stage until golden lights brought the rest of the band into vision. The first song of the night, “Gimme a Minute,” featured a strong guitar riff and an electronic beat that accompanied Gunn’s vocals well. Gunn alternated between melodic singing and growl-like vocals, which added a nice variety to the sound overall. The song abruptly ended as the screen cut to black. Next, PVRIS performed a lo-fi rendition of “Dead Weight,” during which Gunn’s vocals fluctuated between having a soft and rough quality. The third song of the night, “Stay Gold,” began slower in tempo with soft, sweet lyrics. The song built up and blasted into the techno-glam chorus.
Lynn Gunn formally welcomed fans to the concert and began playing “Good to Be Alive.” The song slowly built in tempo and led into the chorus, which included a strong guitar riff that mimicked and echoed Gunn’s vocals. Purple lights guided fans into the next song, “Death of Me,” which incorporated a fast-tempo backbeat that steered the song through to the explosive chorus. Musical breaks within the song allowed Gunn to highlight her incredible vocal range. “Hallucinations” kicked off with a dreamy intro and high-pitched vocals. The song concluded with a soft guitar as purple and pink lights faded out. The ethereal “Old Wounds” incorporated a prominent drum beat and strong bass line.
Before she began the eighth song alone, Gunn exclaimed, “I’ve been abandoned on stage.” The slow, acoustic rendition of “Loveless” showcased Gunn’s beautiful singing and the song’s enchanting melody. Gunn introduced “January Rain” by sharing with fans that she was “already crying.” The song included a piano part that added to the somber, reminiscent vibe of the tune. “Use Me” kicked off with a slow electro-beat intro that led into the wistful song. Gunn dragged out many syllables, which added to the dream-like sensation of the song.
The appropriately named final song of the night, “Wish You Well,” was bright, despite the lyrics depicting the end of a relationship. The screen then static cut to credits as fans shamelessly begged the band to continue performing. PVRIS put on a set that captivated fans through the inarguably beautiful delivery of their distinct sound.
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