Divine Energy: Poppy/PVRIS Reign over Minneapolis for Godless/Goddess Tour

Last updated on September 20th, 2023 at 07:55 pm

With fierce vocals, shredding music, and frenetic visuals, Poppy and PVRIS each brought a set that occasionally seemed ready to set fire to First Avenue in Minneapolis.

Playing 10 minutes earlier than advertised, Poppy entered with the streaming hit “BLOODMONEY,” immediately grabbing the crowd with techno drops while screaming, “Go beg for forgiveness from Jesus the Christ.”

Coincidentally, this led right into “Church Outfit”, and immediately Poppy displayed the genre-defining performance that has gathered her significant accolades, including a Grammy nomination in 2021.

The set was entertaining, with graphics displays that resembled old Atari games like Space Invaders. At other times, screens showed heavily filtered and/or altered video images of the band, all while the two other band members played in masks. 

Some songs like “Hysteria” and “Her” came off like pop-rock tunes. Others resembled Paramore with a dash of heavier guitar and a voice reminiscent of Ariana Grande. “Knockoff,” the first single on her upcoming album Zig, was an absolute strength; a bass-filled, dance-centered groove that held you consistently.

Other guitar-heavy songs like “Scary Mask” and “Bite Your Teeth” had strong moments displaying the screeching, metal side of Poppy and her band. And by the end of the concert, the mosh pit cemented her as a genre-defying performer.

Perhaps fittingly, Poppy’s final song, “I Disagree,” metaphorically reinforced her stance on music industry labeling: “Let it all burn down / burn it to the ground.”

Before any real fires could be set, PVRIS brought a lush, fertile performance with motifs of their new EVERGREEN album. Yet they also displayed a fierce alt-rock independence in their music.

The set was adorned with large plants, which lead singer Lynn Gunn’s two bandmates played between or behind. Occasionally video screens showed footage to accompany her songs, with heavy strobe and smoke use adding intense vibes.

PVRIS opened with “I DON’T WANNA DO THIS ANYMORE”, immediately setting the contrarian tone akin to Poppy’s songs. This was followed up with “ANIMAL,” where Gunn exclaims, “saying that I’m yours to control, but I’m not.”

On songs like “SENTI-MENTAL,” Gunn displayed her lead guitar talent but seemed a bit tethered. In contrast, when she was free to roam on songs like “TAKE MY NIRVANA,” she entertained and engaged the audience more.

Closing with “Goddess,” PVRIS riffed through an initial microphone issue, and the lyrics of “dance goddess dance / it’s your body, **** the man” brought the music’s god-like authority full circle.

Three cheers to openers Pom Pom Squad for incorporating Prince’s prelude to “Let’s Go Crazy” before a song, playing a song they “finished only a few days ago,” and even giving some audience members flowers.

For fans of Poppy, PVRIS, and the Pom Pom Squad, this Godless/Goddess tour is answering prayers by delivering fire-breathing music and visuals.