Singer-songwriter Paris Paloma enchanted the Royale on Sunday, March 9th with her empowering dark pop and folk music. Paloma embarked on the Cacophony North American Tour to promote her debut album of the same name, which was released last August. A sea of flower crowns, elf ears, and flowy dresses filled the sold-out show. Fans, or fairies as they’ve been deemed, posed for pictures in front of the stage and extended the merchandise line across the venue. A small wooden box covered in notes sat atop the table. The Cacophony Book Swap Little Library allowed fans who bring a book to receive a complementary bookmark and a newly embossed book afterward. Paloma is an artist in all senses of the word, having drawn the art on her album, the merchandise, and the banners across the stage. Nature elements like trees, bears, wolves, and birds created a striking backdrop for the singer’s music.
Sarah Julia, sisters from Amsterdam, kickstarted the night with folksy and wistful tracks that boast vulnerable lyricism. They paused between songs to chat with the audience, forming a bond by sharing fun facts about themselves. They revealed this was their first time performing in Boston, and they particularly enjoyed the ramen. The duo sported maxi skirts and delicate patterned tops with matching white lace bows weaved around their mic stands. Toward the end of their set, they played an unreleased song called “Daughters,” about how they hope the fears women face will not plague their daughters.
Soon after, Paloma emerged on stage in a crisp white suit with a black skeleton outline. She dove into the song “my mind (now)” playing an acoustic guitar as she strutted around the stage. She spoke directly to her fairies, inviting them to make friends with one another, and recognized two audience members who she mentioned were at previous shows of hers, demonstrating her genuine love for her fans.
About midway through the set, Sarah Julia joined Paloma on stage for a stunning performance of “knitting song,” full of rich harmonies. They joked, “Boygenius, you have 3 days to respond” after finishing the song. She then played an unreleased track about the dangers of unchecked power with the placeholder title “Salt Water.” She credits this song for reigniting her love of songwriting and her belief that it is an outlet to turn to when one has something to say.
Paloma held the energy high throughout the rest of the night, dipping down to interact with fans at the barricade. Her command of the room was palpable, with the venue hanging onto every lyric. She ended her inspiring set with an encore performance of the viral feminist song “Labour.” The drum line reverberated around the venue and unified the crowd in a cathartic release. Make sure to catch Paloma live before the Cacophony North American Tour ends in March. Buy tickets here.
Check out all of Samantha’s photos from the show below.
