Earlier this year, I came across Lola Young and was immediately captivated by her music. When I saw she’d be performing at the House of Blues this fall, I knew I had to be there. Lola’s distinct, powerful vocals and deeply relatable lyrics drew me in, and I wasn’t alone in feeling that way—she filled the venue’s mainstage with ease.
The night kicked off with Emeryld, a queer indie-pop artist whose voice had an uncanny resemblance to Miley Cyrus. Her set started somewhat tentatively, but as she connected with the audience—playfully asking about San Diego’s queer community and getting enthusiastic responses about Hillcrest—her confidence grew. Unfortunately, some technical difficulties with her off-center backdrop took a bit of focus away from her performance. However, Emeryld’s upbeat energy won over the crowd by the end, setting the stage perfectly for Lola Young.
Lola Young’s latest album, This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway, explores themes of love, heartbreak, and vulnerability with unapologetic honesty. Her direct, no-nonsense lyrics resonate with anyone who’s experienced the complexities of love. The setlist leaned on her newest work, blending emotionally raw ballads with edgy, up-tempo tracks, along with a few songs from her earlier release, My Mind Wanders and Sometimes Leaves Completely. Lola’s passionate vocal delivery and witty, bold lyrics filled the room, drawing the audience further into her world. Her stage presence was mellow yet magnetic making for an unforgettable evening.
As she stepped on stage, the crowd erupted in excitement. She opened with “Good Books,” an upbeat track about a toxic relationship. Lola’s chic look with bold accessories, paired with her English accent that carried into her singing, made an immediate impression. Her powerful voice and emotionally charged delivery connected the audience to her lyrics effortlessly. Transitioning to the fiery “Wish You Were Dead,” a snarky, defiant anthem, the crowd shouted along with every word. Any lingering resentment or anger in the room seemed to dissolve as the audience shouted, “I wish you were dead,” in unison.
Slowing down the tempo, Lola performed my personal favorite, “You Noticed,” a tender love song that showcased her softer, more intimate side. Her vocals took center stage, pulling the audience into the song’s quiet emotion. The calm energy shifted when she introduced an unreleased track, “Charlie,” a groovy and cool song that brought fresh intensity to the performance and added energy to her setlist. To close, Lola performed “What Is It About Me,” showcasing her impressive vocal range and control, leaving the audience in awe.
Returning for the encore, Lola performed “Messy,” which she describes as an “ADHD anthem.” It’s not only my favorite track on her album but also one of my favorite live moments of the night. She warmed up the crowd, starting the song on an acoustic guitar, with the audience, myself included, singing along loudly. The band then rejoined her, restarting with the original, amped-up version, and the crowd erupted even louder. She ended the show with “Conceited,” the most recognized track on her new album. The snarky song completely captivated the audience, providing the perfect finish to a memorable evening.
More From Lola Young
-
share this
