★★★★☆

‘This is my first ever headline show in Edinburgh!’ says the instantly recognisable voice of one of the world’s biggest pop stars inside Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, ‘and this venue is so beautiful!’ It may be surprising that someone of Lorde’s calibre would choose to perform in a non-stadium venue and make it her mission to harness a feeling of intimacy and artistic integrity. Yet, that is exactly what she did. 

A striking and aesthetic set had the album’s signature sun glowing bright centre stage, acting as a spotlight when Lorde’s silhouette first appeared behind the circular screen for a dramatic entrance. A jagged rock-like staircase protruding from the centre of the stage made the set feel like a Laurel Canyon theme park, with band members dressed in wide-legged suits inhabiting it as they casually hung around between songs, perching here and there. The extra bodies would only move to create the occasional tableaux (with Lorde as the main focal point), but this nuanced choreography felt really considered and instilled a sense of calm throughout the entire show.

Much like the new record as a whole, the Solar Power tour is a lighthearted pastiche of the 70s psychedelic rock era. And although these sunny, serene songs were harder for the crowd to release their energy to, musically they were the strongest of the evening. The full band (the aforementioned power suit wearers) were perfectly arranged to bring Solar Power to life, sounding (dare we say) better than the album itself. Beautifully balanced harmonies were sung from backing singers while a percussionist, drummer and four guitarists lay down the perfect Jefferson Airplane-esque instrumental for Lorde to whisper and bellow over in her signature way. 

Well-known songs from 2017’s Melodrama and 2013’s Pure Heroine predictably made the room erupt but felt sonically disjointed at times, as the sound moved from live orchestration to backing track, drum beats and synths within seconds (and often didn’t feel quite loud enough to match the excitement in the room). But it didn’t matter to the ecstatic fans singing every word to every song like no time had passed since their release. ‘We’ve been dancing to this song for 10 years!’ Lorde acknowledged, as the intro for ‘Ribs’ played and she delved into one of many monologues expressing her gratitude and disbelief that she can be so far from home but have so many ‘people to hang out with’. These crowd work moments were sweet and came across genuinely, with only a couple getting a bit rambly in places. 

As a performer Lorde was generous and undeniably present, making a strong effort to connect with her debut Edinburgh crowd. Hearing her most underwhelming album played live showed Lorde’s maturity and confidence in her own artistry. She seems dedicated to creating the music she wants to make, when she wants to make it. ‘I’ll come back for as long as you’ll have me,’ she said towards the end of the show, before performing an epic encore of ‘Royals’ and ‘Team’. Audible shrieks and sobs around the theatre implied that the demand for Lorde’s entire discography won’t be fading anytime soon.

The Solar Power tour continues around the UK. Reviewed at Usher Hall, Edinburgh on Thursday 26 May.