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CONCERT REVIEW – OLIVER TREE WITH FIDLAR & JASIAH @ MGM MUSIC HALL - BOSTON, MA (01.19.24)

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In a whirlwind of musical fusion and boundless creativity, Oliver Tree's Alone in a Crowd tour descended upon Boston, transforming the MGM Music Hall into what I can only describe as a vibrant canvas of sonic entertainment. With Jasiah and FIDLAR setting the stage on fire, and a brief DJ set from Super Computer that went as hard as you would expect from 2 guys with literal computers on their heads, the evening unfolded as a journey through Oliver's eclectic discography, each phase of the concert representing a distinct persona from his three albums.

The night commenced with Jasiah's explosive set, channeling the raw energy and intensity reminiscent of Oliver's earlier work. Jasiah's rapid-fire delivery and gritty beats had the pit bouncing up and down throughout most of the set, but it was the switch-ups in his set that truly surprised me. The way Jasiah was able to bounce back and forth between punchy trap to this one lo-fi ballad was really refreshing. It’s a versatility that not only fits right along with Oliver’s repertoire but made me a fan of Jasiah.

Following Jasiah’s electrifying performance was FIDLAR, a band I know very well. Having the privilege to not only have seen them before but have been at the studio for some of their practices, it was exactly what I expected – they played hard, they played fast, and it ruled. Delivering a relentless barrage of sound, infusing the venue with their punchy riffs and their energetic stage presence, it was pure energy. They put their all into every performance, and the tradition continues.

As the venue buzzed with anticipation, Super Computer took the stage, weaving together a pulsating tapestry of beats and rhythms that bridged the gap between genres. With amazing visuals both up on the big screen as well as on their computer helmets, it was such a unique and engaging set, that you couldn’t really take your eyes off the stage.

Then, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Oliver Tree was rolled out on a florescent pink couch, back turned to the stage, and in iconic Oliver Tree fashion, announcing that the show was cancelled. While that certainly wasn’t true, what unfolded was unlike any live show I’ve been to. Ranging from filmed skits, full blown commercials, and interviews, let alone scooter stunts, all while performing was a tried-and-true spectacle in every sense of the word.

Splitting the show up into phases with each one covering each album (and each character) that Oliver has created, it was a testament not only Oliver’s evolution as an artist, but to his fans with the setlist curated to reflect the diverse sounds and themes present across his discography. From the introspective ballads to the high-octane anthems, Oliver took the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, leaving no stone unturned in his quest for musical and comedic transcendence.

In the end, Oliver Tree's Alone in a Crowd show was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of artistic expression, individuality, and the unbreakable bond between artist and audience. It was an unforgettable experience that no doubt left as much of a mark on all who were fortunate to attend as it did with me. Do yourself a favor and go see this for yourself. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

 

Zak DeFreze

Photojournalist - Boston

Website: www.instagram.com/what.zak/ Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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