At the climactic finale of PVRIS’ European tour, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. As the band took the stage, the crowd erupted in a wave of excitement, ready to be swept away by the electrifying performance that was about to unfold.
The evening kicked off with a brief yet captivating set by the up-and-coming artist Sophie Powers, followed by a high-energy performance by Scene Queen. Her vibrant tracks like “18+” and “Pink G-String” held the audience in a trance. A standout moment was when Wargasm’s Sam Matlock joined for a spirited rendition of “Barbie & Ken,” and Scene Queen paid a heartfelt tribute to PVRIS’ profound influence on her.
The anticipation in the crowd reached its peak as Lyndsey Gunnulfsen and her band—drummer Denny Agosto and bassist Brian MacDonald—stepped onto the stage. They kicked off with the dynamic “I Don’t Wanna Do This Anymore,” a testament to PVRIS’ transition from synth-driven post-hardcore to polished alt-pop. The setlist was a testament to their recent Evergreen album, a clear indication of Gunnulfsen’s unwavering dedication to their new musical direction.
As the evening progressed, PVRIS took a moment to connect with their fans on a deeper level. Gunnulfsen’s heartfelt words, “You look beautiful, hot, confident, fun,” were met with cheers and applause, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. This was followed by a transition to slower, more personal songs, a move that was met with understanding and appreciation from the audience.
The audience was fully immersed in the performance, from poignant moments to energetic mosh pits at heavier riffs. Gunnulfsen’s light-hearted banter and comfortable camaraderie with her bandmates showcased her rock star charisma without any hint of ego.
Scene Queen returned for a raucous duet of “Goddess” with Gunnulfsen, highlighting PVRIS’ fearless transformation. Despite admitting her awkwardness, Gunnulfsen’s authenticity connected deeply with the audience. By the end, PVRIS had proved that they are genuinely still on top of their game.