By Sofia Lambis, News Investigations Editor
Having shot to fame in 2023, after the viral success of single ‘Labour’, Paris Paloma visited SWX for a sold out stop on her UK tour of debut album Cacophony, released in August this year.
Reaching one million streams on Spotify within a day of its release, feminist anthem 'Labour' was the singer’s first charting song in both the UK and the US and propelled Paloma into the mainstream's central spotlight.
Taking ideas from literature, mythology and art, the Derbyshire-born singer songwriter composes rich, lyrical melodies that are emotionally charged and at times haunting.
Inspired by Stephen Fry's book Mythos - a book of Greek myth retellings - the hugely anticipated debut album Cacophony explores themes such as violence against women, loneliness and survival, across a total of fifteen tracks.
Her second time performing in Bristol, Paloma's show was originally scheduled for the 24th of November, yet was unfortunately delayed due to illness, but this didn't deter the long line of fans stretching all the way around SWX in the rain.
Many had brought books which they could put in a decorated box and swap at the end of the night, each pressed with seal from 'The Library of Paris Paloma’.
Vocalist Sophie Morgan from the alternative rock band Luvcat opened the show, with her powerful vocals, smooth piano playing and brand-new song ‘Merry Christmas, I’m Leaving You’, setting the mood for the night.
Then Paloma took to the stage with an instantly mesmerising performance.
Opening with the intensely vulnerable ‘my mind (now)’, she set the tone for an album that’s both empowering and haunting. An artist that excels at storytelling, her songs translated brilliantly into live performance.
The album’s track list mirrors a mythical hero’s journey, and this was even more clear live. Progressing from the soft-spoken ‘drywall’, to powerful ballad ‘hunger’, the atmosphere shifted from sombre to electric.
These changes in mood were accompanied by a vivid and constantly changing light show.
The stage's backdrop was decorated with folkloric woodland creatures illustrated by Chris Riddell, an unsurprising touch from an artist who cites Madeline Miller’s mythic fantasy novel Circe and Daphne Du Maurier’s infamous Rebecca as inspirations.
At one point she sat alone on stage and played ‘triassic love song’ alone with her guitar, providing a quieter, more intimate moment with the audience.
Humble throughout, Paloma thanked the audience and staff earnestly, descending into the crowd multiple times to sing to them.
Cracking jokes about her fluffy sheep socks, talking about Ed Sheeran and her new song for The Lord of the Rings, she recalled how much she enjoyed The Hobbit as a child and encouraged the audience to sing along with her.
As an artist, Paloma is unafraid of discussing heavy topics. The dark ‘last woman on earth’ provides a melodic commentary on violence enacted on the female body, whilst ‘labour’ is a raw exploration of gender roles and entrapment.
But her music is also full of hope. Singing the tender ‘knitting song’ followed by ‘as good a reason’, two sister songs about solidarity, she noted the beauty of the passing down of generational knowledge.
Finishing her performance launching into fan-favourite ‘labour’, she encouraged the audience to join in empowering song.
Having released 'LABOUR (The Cacophony)', an extended version featuring the voices of over 400 fans earlier this year, the community nature of the anthem was beautiful to witness.
Ethereal in her stage presence and a captivating storyteller, the night was truly one to remember.
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