UK pop icon Marina Diamandis, stylized as MARINA, emerged from her chrysalis at Boston’s Roadrunner on September 21st. She is currently on The Princess of Power Tour in support of her new album of the same name, which is a clever play on the word “pop,” the genre MARINA has pioneered throughout her career. This show undoubtedly marked Roadrunner’s best-dressed outing, as fans fluttered into the venue ready to walk the runway. There was an array of handmade pieces and elaborate costumes, including angels with tiaras and wings, ballroom dresses with hoop skirts, and pastel pink ensembles adorned with mesh butterflies. One fan cleverly created a pink floating ribbon headband that read “Cuntissimo,” after one of the album singles, fashioned in the same dainty ribbon font MARINA used on her album cover. Fans fostered a community of joy and celebration long before the music began, trading kandi friendship bracelets with one another and sharing stories about how MARINA’s music has impacted them.
The lights dimmed, and Australian indie-pop-electronica artist Mallrat kickstarted the show. She skipped out in sleek black gloves, a distressed black corseted dress with a white cat on the front, black boots, and a crisp pair of white headphones. Fans were instantly mesmerized by her airy voice, swaying along to the music. Tracks like her dreamy latest single, “Ray of Light,” made the venue feel like it was floating, with textured production and her glitchy falsetto vocals. Some fans in the front row enthusiastically held up copies of her signed vinyl, which they had just picked up at the merchandise station, making sure Mallrat felt the love. She had a DJ booth behind her, where an adorable stuffed gnome plushie and a neon green dog plushie sat. Between songs, her DJ would hold up the green dog and blow a kiss to Mallrat, eliciting roarious cheers and adding a charming whimsy to the performance. Toward the end of her set, she sang a heavenly cover of “Radio” by Lana Del Rey and her smooth voice perfectly complemented the song. By selecting a well-known cover, even fans hearing her music for the first time could enthusiastically sing along, creating a lasting impression and connection with her music.
The between set playlist honored the pop genre as a whole, ranging from classics like “Dancing Queen” by ABBA to supporting breakthrough artists via tracks like “Leave Me Alone” by Reneé Rapp. When the lights finally dimmed again, thousands of fans released a thunderous applause. A video reminiscent of an 80s 8-bit game played on the screen, showcasing characters from each of her eras, and mysterious levels that Boston would encounter throughout the night. A voice recording from MARINA came across the speakers, revealing a storyline that followed an intergalactic princess butterfly “born of stardust” on a quest to “unlock her ultimate form.” She emerged in a sequined hot pink body suit with sparkling silver fringe extending down each arm, accentuating the fluid arm choreography she employed during each song. She dove into the track “PRINCESS OF POWER,” singing into a mic stand covered in a structured material fastened to look like a floating pink ribbon spiral. Her vocals sounded exactly like the studio versions of each song, a notable feat considering her signature octave-defying songwriting style.
MARINA confidently strutted around the stage during each song, flushed in soft blue and pink lighting, holding the audience in the palm of her hand. Some particularly enthusiastic young fans couldn’t help but scream how much they loved her between each song, shrieking with joy when “Butterfly” began to play. Performances of tracks like “I Am Not a Robot,” “Venus Fly Trap,” and “Primadonna” reminded fans of the empowering nature of her discography. The star took a moment to express her gratitude to the fans and acknowledge the power of music, saying “So many of us go through these times when we feel like we need support from other people and music has always done that for me, what ever I have been able to give to you, you have given the same back to me.”
Toward the end of the setlist, she hosted a fan pageant, inviting best-dressed guests on stage during the electric and empowering track “CUNTISSIMO.” They had the opportunity to dance and sing along, with the crowd ultimately deciding that the fan dressed as an ethereal Cupid was the winner. The pageant was a brilliant way to create a special moment for fans in each city, honoring their enthusiasm and sending them home with a personalized, signed setlist. She closed the show with the celebratory track “I <3 YOU,” projecting the word “WINNER” across the screen. By transforming the show into a game of self-discovery, with levels like “The Cocoon,” “Familiar Hells,” and “Party Paradiso,” she created an interactive storyline for fans to experience as well. Make sure to catch MARINA live before The Princess of Power Tour ends in November. Buy tickets here.
Check out all of Samantha’s photos from Mallrat’s set below.
