Lykke Li
Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA
09.17.14
Sweden put some of their talent on loan Wednesday night, with gorgeous musical acts Lykke Li and Mapei taking over Seattle’s Moore Theatre. In the Swedish Grammy race, Lykke Li had already taken home the lion’s share at the paltry age of 25, winning Best Artist and Best Album for Wounded Rhymes. Now 28, she continues to branch out and find worldwide success as the queen of Swedish pop.
Following a half hour wait, heavy fog began to envelope the stage, and instant darkness signaled the start of the show. The mix of the crowd was predominately female, and the flick of the switch began an onslaught of screams that would rival a Bieber show. These chicks were pumped. I thought I was going to be run over in my seat, as ladies clambered over aisles for a better view, fumbling for their phones to take grainy pictures of the blackness on stage. Li jogged into view wearing tight black everything. She would spend the next hour in great form, performing a set punctuated with hits such as “No Rest for the Wicked,” “Sadness is a Blessing,” “Just Like a Dream,” and “Love Me Like I’m Not Made of Stone.” Li even threw in a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Silver Springs.” Seattle marked the first date of a three week US tour, prompted by her latest album, I Never Learn, released in May.
Fellow US born, European talent Mapei opened the Moore this evening. They jammed a lot of soul-filled rhythm and heart into thirty minutes. Vocalist Jacqueline Cummings was accompanied by two tour musicians who took on drumming, keyboard, and backup vocal responsibilities. Everybody on stage was all-in, showing a cohesive balance of technical and stage skills. And what great show doesn’t include a cover of OutKast? Not this one. Mapei’s debut album, Hey Hey, is due to be released in just a few days, make sure you check it out!
Review by T. Monte
Photos by Sunny Martini
Lykke Li
Mapei
