Mitski Journeys Into Mystery At The Shrine

Mitski at the Shrine Expo Hall, LA by Jacob Alvarez

NIGHT ONE OF TWO SOLD OUT LA SHOWS WITH CHAI

I strongly believe based on attending this show that Mitski has become high level indie royalty with the likes of St. Vincent and Haim, and will play the Hollywood Bowl next time she stops by Los Angeles.

Arriving at the venue was hectic, with two lines holding a plethora of people, definitely pointing out the fact that the show was sold out. My partner and I were able to get in rather quickly, but those first few people in line had to have camped out since 10am. Once inside, it was hard to believe that so many fans were still on the outside, with the stage being hugged by an ocean of dedicated Mitski enthusiasts, screaming every chance the Mitski voice-over announcing Covid safety protocols came on. Due to those protocols, MMC* was unable to access the photo pit and resided to the right of the stage for the first three songs.

With security pulling out many fans due to crowded excitement, the lights darkened and opener CHAI took to the stage. Decked out in puffy neon green dresses, all four members danced and got the crowd raging, with an impressive demonstration of musical talent equally matched by their lighting technician. “We love you LA” was said at least once by every member of CHAI, gaining an even louder roar from the crowd, many of whom were CHAI listeners prior to the show. The band played through tracks “No More Cake” and “Donuts Mind If I Do,” from the Japanese band’s latest release Wink . They thanked Mitski for allowing them on tour, and that shared excitement brought them closer to the crowd.

After one more hello from intercom Mitski, the real Mitski entered stage center via a pale white door like something out of The Twilight Zone. And I know what someone might think, I pulled out my phone and immediately began recording. I’d like to get on the record that I only recorded a piece of two songs upon Mitski’s request. She came out swinging quite literally with “Love Me More” and “Should’ve Been Me” off her latest effort Laurel Hell. The fans ate every second up, filling the hall with cheers. Mitski did not break the fourth wall with the audience until the third or fourth song, saying “Hi, I’m happy to be here. Now to get back into character.”

This was refreshing and fits into the Mitski ethos perfectly, with the self-aware indie pop star telling real emotion with grooves. She has stated that her newest album went through many transformations, sounding like a punk record then a country outing. At the end of the day, she opted for music she could dance to, because it was a must for her, as apparent by her concert as well as her music video “Working for the Knife.” Of course when the tapping of the snare began, the crowd went wild as Mitski broke into fan favorite “Nobody.” Those in attendance were also treated to Puberty 2’s “I Bet On Losing Dogs” and “Your Best American Girl.”

The show shifted from elegance to dance party, not that a song can’t showcase both, but having them work in unison was a breath of fresh air. Mitski offered tableau movements such as scratching an invisible itch that overcame her body, throwing her fist into the air with a skip, and performing multiple spins left to right. I’m sure everyone can agree they love that she chose to not quit music. Mitski was meant for performance, with her entering the doorway onstage like one enters their home, or maybe it’s just what she wants everyone to think. Either way, it benefitted the audience.

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!