Penelope Misceo
Arts Editor
Rex Orange County’s personal performance in Los Angeles was a true attestation to the unique impact he has made in music over the span of his career.
Continuing the west coast portion of his “Pony” tour, Rex Orange County provided his audience with a memorable show at the Shrine Auditorium on Jan. 11. The combination of fantastic live intrumentals and Rex’s personable stage presence produced a truly euphoric experience for the audience.
Alex O’Conner, known as Rex Orange County, is an English singer-songwriter. He first began releasing music on SoundCloud in 2016, and has since found tremendous success as an artist of the indie-alternative genre.
The most immediate strength of the performance came from Rex Orange County’s unique and endearing stage presence. His genuine connection to audience members showcased the overall positive atmosphere of the show, and while the large venue could have easily overpowered the intimate feeling of the performance, Rex was able to provide an equally exciting energy to the entire audience.
Although Rex Orange County is a solo artist, his show was accompanied by a talented band. This was particularly unique because the band played instruments that are typically uncommon for the alternative genre, including a saxophone and trumpet. The technical precision and formidable energy of the band made for an exciting component to the show. Rex Orange County also played the guitar and piano, and dynamically connected with his band throughout the entirety of the performance.
For long-time fans and new listeners alike, the setlist of the show was perfectly compiled. Rex Orange County performed a perfect balance of songs from his latest album, “Pony”, and older fan favorites. His performance of “Best Friend” was certainly the most rapturous portion of the show, surging an unforgettable energy throughout the crowd. He also sang a heartfelt cover of Alicia Keys’s “No One” that incorporated his own unique style, while still exuding the sentimental, earnest feeling of the original.
The audience itself also contributed to the overall enjoyability of the show. The concert was nearly sold out, and people of all ages could be seen. Audience members from all sections of the venue were singing and dancing along to every song, and cheered after each performance. This energy could be felt throughout the entire room and furnished the exhilarating atmosphere of the show.
The impeccable sound quality throughout the concert also contributed to the overall experience. The impressively clear sound allowed Rex Orange County to capitalize on his incredible live vocals and talented accompanying band.
The unique set was also a fun addition to the show. The background of the stage included clouds and a purple color scheme, and around halfway through the show, a gray curtain dropped on the stage, creating a shadow of Rex Orange County and his band. This was an entertaining artistic choice as it caught the attention of the audience, but didn’t divert the focus off the music. Confetti also burst into the air towards the end of the show, creating an explosive close to the performance.
Rex Orange County’s fantastic live show in Los Angeles provided audiences with an exciting, unforgettable experience. His loveable stage presence and impressive live instrumentals made for a dazzling performance. The show was certainly one of a kind, and left audience members eager to see Rex Orange County perform again.
Rex Orange County played at The Shrine Auditorium on Jan. 11, and is currently touring North America. “Pony” is available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music.
Leave a Reply