At only 17 years old, this artist already knows how to put on a show that will stay forever in one’s memories. Gayle is talented not only with her songwriting skills, but she also knows how to entertain a crowd of varying ages.
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Awesome
GAYLE with Justus Bennetts
Holocene // Portland, OR // April 13, 2022
Review by Bruna Cucolo
Since her single blew up on the internet, specifically on the social media platform TikTok, Gayle had announced an eight-stop tour including the UK followed by her EP release of “the study of a human experience volume one.” One of these eight stops was in Portland, Oregon where she performed at the Holocene on April 13. Joining her was Justus Bennetts who opened the night. With the two together, they put on a show full of high energy.
From the beginning with the pounding of the drums and music blasting from the speakers, it was a very energetic venue when Bennetts came on stage. There was so much cheering, singing along and moving around. His nine-song set even included “Don’t Trip” with Gayle joining him onstage, and Panic! At The Disco’s “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” a song the crowd went wild for, probably one of the highlights of the opener. After his last song “Bad Day,” though, it was time for the switch from his set to the headliner’s.
Above the stage, “GAYLE” was projected onto the wall in what looked like glitching 3D letters. The singer joins the stage, and before everyone knew it, she opened her set with “luv starved” on her guitar in quite a mellow tone before getting rough with the music. From start to finish, Gayle’s stage presence was on point. If anyone in the audience had high expectations of her, those expectations were definitely met.
With her songs, she’s put out and more, there were a total of 13 tunes she performed. One crowd favorite was a Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ cover of “Bad Reputation.” The performer expressed how women before her have spoken out about specific topics and how she’s able to do the same because of them, and she followed that with the terrific cover. And, of course, Gayle closed with her famous “abcdefu” track which got everyone in the room riled up for.
At only 17 years old, this artist already knows how to put on a show that will stay forever in one’s memories. Gayle is talented not only with her songwriting skills, but she also knows how to entertain a crowd of varying ages. We can only hope that she’ll tour again soon so that more people can be exposed to her brilliant performance.
