Photo by Hannah Sender

Sounds of woodland creatures, rippling waters, and fireflies filled Paradise Rock Club on June 3rd as Holly Humberstone prepared to take the stage for opening night of the Cruel World Tour. A clock ticking could be heard over the magical forest noises, intensifying the eagerness of the sold-out crowd. Finally, Humberstone appeared in black bloomers and a white Victorian cotton jacket with black floral prints. She opened with a track from her latest and second studio album Cruel World, “Make It All Better.” Though Humberstone made appearances performing songs from the album at Coachella and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, her show in Boston marks her headline tour’s official kick-off.

Humberstone performed nearly every track from Cruel World, including the debut of two songs from what would be announced hours later as the deluxe album to be released June 5th. Fans sang along to every lyric with ease and enthusiasm, and Humberstone responded to their bright attitudes with a beaming smile throughout the show. Humberstone performed a few fan favorites from her previous album and EPs, including “Kissing in Swimming Pools” from her debut record Paint My Bedroom Black, as well as its title track. There were many emotional performances throughout the show, particularly “Beauty Pageant.” Humberstone explained to the crowd that the track is about her experiences with the trials of being a female artist in a male-dominated industry. To the audience’s excitement and surprise, Humberstone also played her first-ever release, “Deep End.” She included one of her most popular songs as well, “Falling Asleep at the Wheel,” and closed with “Scarlett.”

Check out the rest of Hannah’s photos below.