Words and Photos by Alder Boutin
Alternative rock singer Annabel Lee warmed up the crowd for synth-pop band Transviolet on their Softcore tour at The Atlantis in DC on April 8th. Annabel had the audience rocking out before the headliners even took the stage at the acclaimed 9:30 Club’s small but lively sister venue.
Annabel Lee began her set with the measured, introspective “ALAS, I’M A LADY.” She then revved up the tempo with “SARAH, SARAH!” and “UP,” striding across the stage and flipping her hair as she sang. Annabel also spent a couple of songs behind her keyboard, which was adorned with a hand-sketched black-and-white logo of her face mid-belt. Even while stationary, her intense gaze and sharp arm movements continued to hold the audience captive. Throughout her set, Annabel’s versatility and theatricality had the audience nodding and grooving along.
Annabel took the stage after the first opening act, Mixie, who brought an audience member onstage for an elaborate reenactment of Justin Bieber’s “One Less Lonely Girl” – backward baseball cap and all. Another Mixie highlight was the upbeat genderqueer anthem “Ralph Lauren.”
Transviolet, who followed Annabel’s performance, had an energetic set complete with on-screen animations, heartfelt backstories for songs like “Long Shot,” and dance moves taught to the crowd. Some fans were dressed up in devil costumes, complimenting lead singer Sarah McTaggart’s feathery angel wings.
Annabel Lee’s performance shone in the Softcore tour’s stacked lineup. Check out our pre-show interview with her, where she opens up about her experience behind the scenes on tour, the origin of her stage name, and her upcoming projects.
Loudspeaker Collective 