Claire Cottrill, known by her stage name Clairo, performed three highly-anticipated shows at the Roadrunner in Boston to celebrate her third album, “Charm,” which was released in July. The tour kicked off with five nights in Los Angeles and then gigs in New York, Dallas, Houston, Portland and countless more.
On Oct. 29, during her second show, Clairo graced the stage with playful confidence, coming up to the microphone and flirtatiously greeting the audience with a “Hi, Boston.” Dressed in a flowy blue dress, Clairo embodied the airy melodies and youthful spirit of her music.
Accompanied by a full band featuring drums, bass, guitar, piano and flute, Clairo crafted a rich, relaxed soundscape. The variety of instruments reflects the diverse styles found within her music — from mellow indie pop to more experimental electronic. The blend of guitar riffs, subtle drum beats and ambient piano chords created a captivating tapestry of sound that guided the audience through the emotional journey of her setlist. Above, a light illuminated the stage, casting a warm glow of yellow and blue, while a sparkly curtain backdrop evoked a 1970s vibe and reflected the jazz-style melodies that inspired much of “Charm.”
Clairo opened the show with “Nomad,” the first track of her latest album. The song perfectly captures the essence of “Charm,” exploring themes of soulful introspection and the vulnerability that comes with making genuine connections. The audience swayed to her enchanting voice, absorbed in the lyrical beauty of her songs.
Clairo’s performance also featured earlier hits, including “Amoeba,” “Bags” and “Flaming Hot Cheetos,” offering a nostalgic contrast to the softer and more mature style of “Charm.” This roused the crowd and got everyone belting out the lyrics, embracing the memories these songs stirred.
Clairo also performed “Alewife”: a nod to the Red Line station near Clairo’s hometown. This excited the crowd, who connected more deeply with the song’s local relevance. This song is one of the saddest Clairo performed, as it reflects her gratitude for a friend who intervened during a night when she, suffering from anxiety and depression, contemplated ending her life.
As the concert neared its end, the audience’s energy awakened, with fans savoring every last moment. Clairo concluded the night with “Sexy to Someone” and “Juna,” two standout tracks from “Charm.” “Juna,” as the final song of the night, encapsulated the emotional journey of Clairo’s setlist, offering both closure and a sense of hope regarding love and relationships, encouraging the audience to embrace vulnerability and find joy.
Interestingly, “Sofia,” one of Cottrill’s commercially successful tracks, was not included on the setlist, leading to much speculation online about her decision.
Additionally, there was also no encore, which is typical for Clairo’s performances, but I was not quite ready for the night to end. The energy in the room lingered as fans eagerly lined up to purchase Clairo’s merchandise, sharing murmurs of how amazing the concert had been.
Despite the venue’s size and popularity, Clairo cultivated an atmosphere reminiscent of an intimate private concert. This unique ambiance allowed every audience member to become fully engrossed in their own personal journey through her music. Glancing around the room, you could see a myriad of faces illuminated by the stage light — each one deeply entranced by the music.
Overall, during Clairo’s performance, her soft, dreamy singing and sweet, heartfelt melodies transcend the audience into a state of calm and reflection, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of being in love, dealing with mental health and finding oneself.
