Melanie Martinez Is an Absolute Visionary on Her Trilogy Tour
- Matt Bishop
- Jun 3, 2024
- 3 min read
Review and live photos from her stunning performance in Baltimore
When talking about adventurous artists, Melanie Martinez is now at the forefront of the conversation.
The Trilogy Tour was a visual feast, where Martinez fully immerses the audience in her distinctive aesthetic. The stage was a monstrous, elaborate set, reminiscent of a whimsical, slightly eerie dollhouse, divided into three distinct sections to represent each album in her trilogy: Cry Baby, K-12, and PORTALS. Each section featured intricate props, vibrant backdrops, and thematic lighting that shifted in tone and color to match the mood of each song. The transitions between these sections were seamless, with brief interludes featuring hauntingly beautiful animations and spoken word segments, adding depth to the storytelling.
Before doors even opened, fans were lined up outside CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. They were dressed in character as different versions of Martinez, with themed outfits and makeup mirroring the different stages of the Trilogy Tour. The cosplay was a testament to the artistic impact this journey of Melanie's has had on her fans. When music tells a story, and transports you somewhere else entirely - completely immersing yourself in that other universe becomes almost second nature.
The Trilogy Tour is a culmination of nearly a decade's worth of artistic reveal. Beginning back in 2015, Martinez released her debut LP, Cry Baby. With this record, she introduced not only herself, but her alter-ego Cry Baby to the world. Four long years later, her next album arrived - K-12. The sophomore outing saw Cry Baby grow up, pushing through the most arguably the most intricate and vulnerable years of a person's life. In the end, fans endure the death of Cry Baby, only to see her reincarnated as a multi-faced, four-eyed being sometimes referred to as The Creature. Martinez embraced the full asthetic on her last tour, which we thought was going to be tough to top. But, with The Trilogy Tour, Martinez tops it and then some, resulting in a performance that stretches into Broadway show territory.
In front of another sold out crowd, Martinez opened the show with "Cry Baby," instantly captivating the audience with her ethereal voice and dynamic stage presence. She moved effortlessly across the stage, engaging with the audience with an entourage of dancers to enhance the performance.
As the concert progressed, the energy intensified with songs like "Dollhouse" and "Pity Party," where Martinez's powerful vocals and emotional delivery were particularly striking. During the K-12 segment, she performed hits like "Show & Tell," "Strawberry Shortcake," and "Teacher's Pet," using the stage to full effect with elaborate dance routines and poignant visual metaphors.
The PORTALS section was the most visually stunning, with a darker, more surreal ambiance. Tracks like "DEATH," "TUNNEL VISION," "LIGHT SHOWER," and "BATTLE OF THE LARYNX," were particular highlights, showcasing her growth as an artist both vocally and thematically. The use of 3D projection mapping and creative costume changes added a layer of otherworldliness to this part of the show.
In addition to all the marvelous production, Melanie's unique vocal timbre was shining as bright as the lights. Her creativity certainly doesn't overtake her vocal chops. She's an artist that fires on all cylinders, every night.
The Trilogy Tour is a masterful blend of music, art, and theater, and it's no surprise that it is selling out venues every night. Her ability to create a cohesive narrative across three albums and translate it into a live performance was impressive. The show was a testament to her artistic vision and dedication to her craft. Fans left the venue not just entertained, but deeply moved and inspired by the experience.
The flawless execution of the entire production was jaw-dropping. With the Trilogy Tour, Martinez has taken a concert to a musical theater-level experience. Whenever this run is finally over, fans and critics alike will be waiting with intense anticipation for her next act.
Melanie's Trilogy Tour rolls on through June 14, wrapping up at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Comments