Review: Asal @ Brighton Music Hall 2/19

Review by Kyra Papillo

Solo artist Asal began her music career in 2022, emerging from North Vancouver with a distinct and experimental approach. In her early days, she was solely responsible for her music composition, exploring various mediums and genres to carve out a unique identity in an oversaturated industry. At Brighton Music Hall—a 476-capacity venue—she created an atmosphere that was both intimate and mystifying, drawing the audience into her world.

The night opened with Frex, an artist from Pennsylvania who immediately captured the crowd’s attention. Through fluid transitions and compelling storytelling, Frex guided the audience through her musical journey. For those unfamiliar with her work before the show, she was undoubtedly unforgettable by the end of her set.

Asal’s performance, the second stop on her “Missing Something” tour, was nothing short of electrifying. She made a powerful entrance with “In a Night,” igniting the crowd’s anticipation with a dramatic drum solo. Despite this being her first solo tour, her stage presence was undeniable—transforming the venue into a high-energy, club-like experience where the audience danced the night away.

While the setlist was primarily composed of tracks from her latest album, Asal delighted fans by returning to her roots with “Pretty Juvenile.” This moment served as a shift in the evening’s energy—her slow, haunting vocals intertwined with rhythmic guitar, creating a mesmerizing transition. Her ability to seamlessly move between genres showcased the versatility of her voice.

Throughout the performance, Asal fostered a deep connection with the audience, often singing directly to individual fans, making the experience feel personal and immersive. With each song, the choreography complemented the lyricism and mood, elevating the performance’s artistic depth. During “Bartender,” I found myself captivated not only by the song’s production but also by Asal’s alluring vocals—truly one in a million.

A highlight of the night was “Outside,” a track that has been a staple in my playlists since its 2024 release. This song, an experimental fusion with Latin rhythmic influences, epitomizes vibrant and infectious music. Asal’s pure joy was evident—holding a drink in hand, she invited the audience to share in the euphoria of the moment.

The setlist was packed with upbeat, high-energy tracks, all complemented by Asal’s charismatic presence. Her drummer played a crucial role in enhancing the live experience, adding rhythmic elements unique to the tour that gave the music new depth, making each song feel fresh and dynamic.

As an opener for the musician Artemas, Asal transitioned one of her later songs in a touching moment when she asked, “How many of you discovered me through the Artemas tour?” The overwhelming applause that followed solidified the impact of her journey and the connection she had built with her audience.

To finish the night off, Asal performed one of her most popular songs “Liars and Prayers.” This song was truly explosive in its nature, as the audience was dancing around and uniting over their love for this song. For Asal, this song did not disappoint. She continued her streak of high-energy performances by jumping around the crowd and letting the audience finish the lyrics by screaming it to the loudest of their abilities. With just this song alone, the entire experience gained its worth tenfold. Once the song ended, Asal made her exit, but returned for an encore after the audience kept chanting “I’m still Missing Something.” Once returning, Asal sprung from the barricade on the floor of the audience and interacted with the crowd by waving and singing with a remix of her song titled, “She’s In The Club.” She finished off her Boston tour date by thanking and reintroducing her opener and drummer. 

I left the venue feeling both exhilarated and nostalgic, grateful to have witnessed such an intimate yet explosive performance. Asal’s stage presence is entirely her own—authentic, dynamic, and emotionally charged. While I look forward to seeing her perform in larger venues one day, there was something truly special about experiencing her artistry in this intimate setting.