The lights cut, darkness enclosed the Moda Center seconds before the shocked silence emerged into thunderous applause engulfing the space as the background track of “Hammer” began to play. Lorde emerged from a platform in the center of the stage, rising into the air as a single spotlight settled, illuminating her figure surrounded by smoke. The audience shrieked as she strutted down the runway of the stage.
The Ultrasound World Tour, featuring the performance of Lorde’s new album “Virgin,” stopped in Portland and 35 other destinations across the U.S. and Europe. She was joined by openers Empress Of and The Japanese House. A highlight of the opening acts was when Empress Of began singing “Best to You” by Blood Orange, which summoned deafening applause, building anticipation for Lorde’s performance.
The message behind Lorde’s “Virgin” album is clear through the honest and emotional lyrical visualization of her femininity and struggles. Even in the highest section of seats, you could feel the infectious energy she brought to the audience. Known for her unique stage presence and artistic vision, Lorde created a show that fostered a nostalgic connection among the audience. Rather than incorporating elaborate props into her performance like many other current artists, Lorde appeared on stage with nothing besides a treadmill and a large fan with a spotlight, stating her intention was to encapsulate the struggle and growth inspired through growing up and learning individuality.
Lorde released her debut record, “Pure Heroine,” in September of 2013. It was a massive hit with over one million record sales, and was named by Rolling Stone as the seventh best album of the year, and second best contemporary album. However, Lorde’s greatest strength is her ability to encapsulate youth and the complexities of maturing into songs that resonate across generations. “She writes a lot about the struggles teenagers go through all the time, feelings a lot of us can’t explain,” says Franklin freshman Amira Marei, who only recently started listening to Lorde. “All the emotions, sadness, forgiveness and excitement.”
Ella Burgess, a senior at Grant High School who attended the concert, explains that it feels “very nostalgic” listening to her. Evidently, Lorde’s music connects ages, from those who grew up listening to the song “Royals” with their babysitters to those finding her music through TikTok and other social media apps. People ages 12 to over 50 joined each other to jump and prance around the Moda Center. Two background dancers created animalistic yet pedestrian movements, emphasizing the simplistic nature of the performance.
She began in a simple T-shirt and jeans, eventually stripping into her boxers to create a visual ode to the discussion of gender dynamics referenced in her album “Virgin.” Lorde told Rolling Stone magazine that she is in a stage of her life where she is questioning gender identity, and this commentary is observable through her masculine clothes.
Throughout the concert, the set list included many nostalgic hits like “World Alone” and “Royals.” She marched through the crowd, inches away from her fans singing, “I don’t belong to anyone, I made you god because it was all that I knew how to do,” relaying heart breaking messaging around loneliness as the thousands of people in the Moda Center embraced each other, embracing their connection through the lyrics.
Before playing the song “Liability,” she paused from the dancing to give a heartfelt speech. She asked for the lights to be turned on, and began looking around the venue and expressing her gratitude for the audience’s participation, taking a moment to transition from the sincere and melancholy tone of “Big Star.” She addressed the audience and advised them to be honest with themselves and each other. “I’m here to keep it raw, to tell you the truth and I want to say thank you so much for opening your arms to that Portland, it really means the world to me.”
Lorde ended the night by performing “Ribs,” a song that is widely known by fans, from her 2013 album, “Pure Heroine.” “Ribs” captures the special connection between an individual and their best friend. Many audience members were seen face-timing their best friends who were unable to attend, and the ones who were there, danced clutching each other’s hands. When Lorde took her final bow, she left the audience feeling inspired and connected to one another.
