As The Warfield Theatre’s lights dimmed, a large disco ball hanging from the ceiling lit up the set. Sounds of a tropical forest accompanied narration that introduced the sparklemuffin, a colorful cannibalistic spider that serves as a symbol for the artist Suki Waterhouse.
On Friday, Oct. 25, Waterhouse took the stage at The Warfield in San Francisco for the seventh stop of her “Sparklemuffin Tour,” which is centered around the release of Waterhouse’s second studio album, “Memoir of a Sparklemuffin.” Fans were lined up with excitement on the San Francisco streets as early as three hours before the Warfield’s door opened. While they waited for the doors to open they sang songs, and stirred in disbelief of the idea of seeing Waterhouse live.
Alternative and grunge rock artist Bully performed a 30-minute opening act for the show. The set consisted of loud heavy metal songs, which set a dissonant tone preceding Waterhouse’s quieter indie set. Nevertheless, Bully kept spirits high, which was reflected in the crowd’s excited cheering as anticipation for Waterhouse’s set rose.
Finally, at 10 p.m., the stage went completely dark, with only the large disco ball’s light reflecting off the guitars and drums on stage. A narration introduced the album, describing an enchanted forest, and as the audience waited eagerly, the spotlight focused on Waterhouse.
Waterhouse opened her set with “Gateway Drug,” where a melodious intro and hazy instrumentals in the chorus set a dreamy, mysterious tone for the concert, immersing the audience into the world Waterhouse created. Throughout the show, the crowd’s cheers and moments of silence reflected the emotion Waterhouse was conveying. She proved herself to be a hypnotizing performer through her ability to captivate the attention of others.
Waterhouse performed 17 songs in less than 90 minutes, minimizing time spent in transitions and audience interactions. Most of Waterhouse’s commentary between songs was short, it was witty and charming, and it felt as though she was rushing through the concert, as if she was running late for another event. Instead, she opted to integrate these moments into her songs, like when she brought out an audience member onto stage for her song “Joanna,” dedicating the song to her fans. Still, the lack of a proper conversation with the audience embodied the persona Waterhouse presents in her album — a cool but reckless woman craving more than what her life seems to offer her.
Waterhouse’s supporting band also elevated the experience by providing an instrumental backdrop that seamlessly blended with her vocals. The performance went beyond replicating the recorded versions of Waterhouse’s discography, even adding a sense of depth to each track that could only be experienced live. Dance choreography dramatized songs like “My Fun” and “Big Love,” emphasizing the carefree side to her discography. Waterhouse also displayed more intense emotion through “Helpless,” where she stood in place as she sang into the mic stand. The times Waterhouse performed on the piano and guitar moved the audience — they quieted down their cheers and listened intently to her voice. Her incredible talent to draw in the crowd and allure them was heightened by the clarity of her voice.
As the concert came to an end, Waterhouse performed her most popular song, “Good Looking.” Interacting with an audience member by dedicating the song to them, contributing to her charm that enchanted the audience throughout the show. She sang directly to some, and pointed at others and directed the lyrics at them. She then turned to the piano to perform a more vulnerable song, “Brutally,” establishing a sense of ease and a personal connection with the audience that left fans craving more. Concluding with “Model, Actress, Whatever,” the crowd stood in awe, the lights and band enhanced her voice, and made this final moment a bittersweet one.
Ultimately, Waterhouse mesmerized the audience with her enchanting vocals and personality, perfectly conveying the mystical aspects of “Memoir of a Sparklemuffin.” Although Waterhouse could have created more personal connections with the audience, the blend of her dreamy voice and her spectacular band left fans returning home more than satisfied.
RATING: 4/5
