OMAR APOLLO @ LEADERBANK PAVILLION 9/6
Review by Hannah Martin
Photo Credit: Youth to the People
Omar Apollo truly shined on stage during his recent performance at the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston’s Seaport District. His vibrant show was a highlight of the “God Said No” Tour, traveling across North America to support his latest album of the same name. Malcolm Todd, who has been opening for Apollo throughout the tour, set the tone for the evening with his dynamic set.
The Leader Bank Pavilion, an outdoor venue, was favored because of the perfect weather for the show. The atmosphere was relaxed and anticipatory as the audience settled in, donning light summer-to-fall transition jackets. Malcolm Todd delivered an impressive performance, captivating the crowd with energy and skill. Even though many concertgoers were unfamiliar with Todd’s setlist, they were engaged and appreciative of the live music. The highlight of Todd’s set was his hit single “Roommates,” which resonated deeply with the audience as it reverberated throughout the venue and into the open, sunsetting sky. As a gesture of pure friendship, Todd led the audience in a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” for the band’s guitarist, Luke Tyler Shelton, who was celebrating his 23rd birthday that night. The crowd responded enthusiastically, underscoring the warm and inviting atmosphere of the event.
Todd’s top hit, “Roommates,” throbbed throughout the venue and into the sunsetting sky as the set’s last song before introducing the much-anticipated headliner. It was a perfect end to a setlist, a lovely way to excite the crowd.
Omar Apollo stepped out onto the stage in one of his iconic fur coats, immediately gaining an excited reaction from the crowd. Hits like “Useless” and “Spite” were predictable energizers, and the live performance of “En El Olvido,” which included a heartwarming video on the big screen, was candidly beautiful. Apollo had a captivating presence on stage and entertained the audience for the entire show. “Invincible” from the previous album “Ivory,” typically featuring well-known Canadian artist Daniel Caesar, was structured as a type of sing-along, with lyrics plastered on the large screen behind Apollo to promote crowd engagement. For most songs, artistic movement was the sole objective of the entertaining aspects of the visual performance. The simple use of a sheet as a prop was a unique way to create more movement that was not centered around structure choreography, reflecting the smoothness of the sound.
Bright lights flashed throughout the show, but the aesthetic centered on more muted tones and a clean and clear light performance. While mesmerized by the stunning visuals on stage, I could genuinely indulge in the raw material and emotion of the music. If Apollo utilized colorful, bright lights and more sporadic movements, the disregard that makes the album so unique would have vanished. By basing the concert visuals on the overarching vibe of the setlist, this show provided the audience with a beautiful, immersive experience.
Toward the end of the night, Apollo played “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All)” and quickly became one of the best live performances I have had the opportunity to witness first-hand. The last few songs and outro were seamless, cementing the coolness and gracefulness of the entire show. Boston concertgoers witnessed a truly exceptional show, thanks to Apollo’s whimsical yet powerful presence on stage. Given the stellar performance and the positive reception, it’s clear that Apollo is poised to continue impressing audiences throughout his tour.