Live Review + Photos: St. Vincent featuring Maiah Manser and Eartheater

St. Vincent’s performance at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles was nothing short of a theatrical masterpiece, where every note, movement and breath was orchestrated to perfection. The night began long before the first chord was struck, with thousands of fans — a kaleidoscope of ages and backgrounds —gathering in the courtyard as early as 7:00 pm. The anticipation buzzed in the air, mingling with the faint scent of food and the murmur of excited conversation.

Maiah Mancer, the evening’s opening act, stepped onto the stage like a gilded apparition, her shimmery gold mini-skirt gleaming under the lights. As she moved into the spotlight, the deep red curtains behind her framed a scene of bold, theatrical elegance. The contrast between her shimmering outfit and the rich, velvety backdrop immediately set a tone of elegance and drama. With only a prerecorded instrumental as her accompaniment, Maiah’s voice became the true star of the moment. She effortlessly soared through falsetto notes, each one lingering in the air like a delicate thread. The vibrant atmosphere was amplified by her striking appearance and the minimalist stage setup. Despite the growing crowd, there was an undeniable sense of intimacy as Maiah’s voice filled the space, drawing everyone into her world. Her set was a sonic exploration, where she played with the audience’s energy using pitch tools and a sample pad, transforming their collective voice into playful, distorted echoes — ranging from monstrous growls to chipmunk chirps. Her sweet, pop-like melodies about angelic women wrapped around the audience like a warm embrace. As she encouraged the crowd to clap along to her final notes, there was a shared emotion that connected performer and listener alike. She ended her set at 7:44 pm, leaving behind an audience eager for more, enchanted by the brief performance.

The stage was swiftly transformed for the next act, Eartheater, who emerged at 8:01 pm to the sound of a haunting synth piano intro that sent shivers through the audience, hinting at the soundscape to come. The singer was in a sleek black skirt and shirt, with a striking shock of red hair that caught the light. Her opening tune was like a whispered secret, drawing the audience in with its soft, almost operatic quality. She captivated the crowd with her voice and eerie presence. The stage, designed with a wash of blue and white lights, pulsed in sync with the music, creating a visual rhythm that perfectly complemented the woven sounds. As the keyboardist switched between instruments, the music shifted, flowing seamlessly from soft, introspective melodies to more complex, ambient soundscapes. The singer’s voice was a study in contrasts — at times, a delicate whisper, at others, a soaring crescendo that seemed to fill every corner of the theater. Her stage presence was subtle, almost understated, but her passion was unmistakable. She joked about the empty seats in the audience, attributing them to 50 Cent’s infamous ticket-buying spree, eliciting laughter from the crowd and adding a touch of levity to her otherwise introspective set. As Eartheater’s performance drew to a close, the stage lights shifted to a deep, verdant green, reflecting the more pop-infused tones of her final song. She took her final bow at 8:27 pm, leaving the audience rocking and excited for St. Vincent. As the house lights came up, alternative rock was heard over the speakers.

Then, as the clock ticked to 9:10 pm, the lights dimmed once more, and the crowd erupted into cheers. The anticipation reached a fever pitch as St. Vincent emerged from a veil of smoke, her silhouette framed by three towering archways that loomed like gothic cathedral spires. The stage was set for something extraordinary, and St. Vincent delivered with a performance that was as much a visual spectacle as it was a sonic one.

Dressed in fishnets and a black suit romper, she exuded an aura of effortless cool, her every movement dripping with rockstar swagger. The opening notes of the piano intro were deep and dark, setting a tone that was both mysterious and exhilarating. As the song built, the silhouette gave way to the full brilliance of the stage lights, revealing a band that played with a ferocity and precision that matched St. Vincent’s own electrifying energy. The drummer’s beats were tight, the guitarist’s riffs intricate, and the keyboardist’s complex melodies added depth to the already rich sound.

St. Vincent herself was a whirlwind of motion, leaping across the stage, dropping to the floor to play her guitar, twirling with a frenetic energy that was contagious. Her guitar solos were nothing short of virtuosic, each note meticulously crafted yet delivered with an intensity that felt raw and unfiltered. The audience was spellbound, clapping along in rhythm, their energy feeding into the electric atmosphere that seemed to vibrate with the sheer power of the performance.

Between songs, St. Vincent wove a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes, her voice shifting from lighthearted humor to profound vulnerability as she reminisced about her Texas upbringing and the pervasive feeling of not fitting in — a sentiment that deeply resonated with many in the audience. Her setlist felt like a meticulously crafted narrative, guiding the crowd through a rollercoaster of emotions, from playful highs to poignant lows, each song serving as a new chapter in her evolving story. One of the night’s standout moments occurred during “Krokodil.” As the song’s intense energy surged, St. Vincent leapt into the crowd, transforming the space into a sea of reaching hands and fervent cheers. She body-surfed above the audience, creating an electrifying moment of connection that was both intimate and grand. When she finally returned to the stage, she collapsed in a dramatic, face-first dive onto the floor, her theatrical gesture amplifying the song’s raw emotion and adding to the night’s drama.

Another highlight was her performance of “Candy Darling.” Despite its slower tempo, St. Vincent’s vibrant and expressive movements kept the energy alive. Her ability to sing, dance, and play guitar simultaneously, was nothing short of captivating. At one point, she ventured into the crowd, high-fiving fans and extending her personal touch. St. Vincent’s genuine engagement with her audience was amazing, as she sat on the edge of the stage, connecting with fans in a heartfelt and close-up manner. Throughout the night, the camera work added another layer of magic to the performance. With the cameraman capturing unique angles, the jumbotrons displayed striking visuals that complemented St. Vincent’s dynamic stage presence. This synergy between her performance and the visual elements made the night not only unforgettable but also extraordinarily entertaining. As St. Vincent danced and played her guitar, the camera’s close-ups showcased the intensity of her expressions and the meticulous detail of her movements. Her dancing was graceful during slow songs and energetic during her rock anthems. The jumbotrons projected all these vivid images in real-time, ensuring that even those far from the stage could experience the visceral thrill of her performance. The use of innovative camera angles did more than just document the performance; it became an integral part of the show, accentuating St. Vincent’s charismatic presence. Every flicker of St. Vincent’s emotion was vividly portrayed as she rocked out with passion. The  night was truly immersive and unforgettable. 

A standout moment of the evening came when St. Vincent took a pause to spotlight her bandmates, each one a crucial thread in the rich performance. With genuine warmth and appreciation, she introduced them to the audience, detailing their roles and the dedication they bring to the music. The drummer, in particular, commanded the spotlight with a breathtaking solo. As his sticks blurred in a flurry of motion, the powerful rhythm he created seemed to resonate through every corner of the theater, sending waves of energy through the crowd. The audience responded with a roar of applause, fully immersed in the visceral experience of his performance. The guitarists and keyboardist demonstrated their own remarkable skills throughout the night as well. The guitarist’s riffs and the keyboardist’s melodies wove together seamlessly and their solo performances also added to the dynamic Soundscape. Each member of the band had their own complex sound that highlighted their technical prowess and creativity. St. Vincent took great care to explain the significance of each band member’s contribution, emphasizing how their collective hard work and talent are integral to the live experience. Her recognition and heartfelt tribute added depth to the night, making it clear that the performance was as much a celebration of her band’s artistry as it was of her own. 

St. Vincent delivered an electrifying setlist of 20 songs, each one distinct and intricately crafted. The audience remained captivated throughout the entire night from the moment she took the stage. Every track brought a fresh experience, keeping fans standing at their seats all night. Among the highlights were fan favorites like “Los Ageless” and “Flea,” songs that had the audience’s devices raised high, capturing every moment of the performance. St. Vincent’s commanding presence was a masterclass in confidence and charisma, with every performance element meticulously designed to enthrall. The night was a whirlwind of excitement and artistry, with not a single dull moment as St. Vincent’s powerful vocals, innovative choreography and engaging showmanship created an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance. She continued to play a few more songs, maintaining her high energy before saying her final farewell at 10:37 pm.

The crowd’s deafening roar summoned her back for an encore. The final song of the night was a breathtaking ballad that showcased her voice in its most intimate and pure form. Accompanied solely by the delicate, emotive notes of the piano, this serene moment provided a poignant contrast to the high-energy rock of the rest of the performance. It was a gentle, yet profound conclusion to an evening brimming with intensity, leaving the audience with a sense of peaceful reflection. As the final notes faded into the night, St. Vincent took a bow and waved goodbye. With a playful kick of her feet, she disappeared into the shadows, leaving the audience to carry the memory of her performance home with them.

In a world where the future of rock is often questioned, St. Vincent proved that the genre is not just alive, but thriving. Her performance at the Greek Theatre was a testament to the enduring power of live music. A night where every detail, from the lights to the lyrics, was crafted with an artistry that left no doubt — Rock and Roll is here to stay.

St. Vincent Setlist

1. Reckless
2. Fear the Future
3. Los Ageless
4. Big Time Nothing
5. Marrow
6. Dilettante
7. Pay Your Way in Pain
8. Digital Witness
9. Sweetest Fruit
10. Flea
11. Cheerleader
12. Broken Man
13. Krokodil
14. Surgeon
15. Hell is Near
16. Candy Darling
17. New York
18. Sugarboy
19. All Born Screaming

Encore

1. Somebody Like Me

All photos by Sam Pittman