On a chilly April evening, the Crystal Ballroom in downtown Portland beamed with warmth. Sunny pop acts Aly & AJ and Miya Folick were headlining the historic venue’s first show of the month. Both acts are currently out on tour supporting new albums. Aly & AJ are kicking off the With Love From Tour, named for their newest release. Miya Folick is gearing up for the upcoming release of her second album, Roach. Both sets seemed a perfect antidote to the reluctant withdrawal of winter. Sun-soaked synths and anthemic choruses begging to be screamed seemed to usher in the hope of sunnier days.
As Folick took to the stage, the crowd’s anticipation erupted into applause. Lyrically and vocally, Folick is a trapeze artist, plunging into the chaotic uncertain of alt-pop only to snack back to her gripping melodies with ease. Her music is raw and unfiltered, often exploring vulnerable themes like love, loss, and self-discovery.
Through her set, Folick captivated the audience with her deep, rich vocals and enticing charisma. She performed a handful of anticipated songs from Roach and some tracks from her critically acclaimed debut album, Premonition. A stunning visual display enhanced the emotive depths of her already powerful lyrics. Her voice is a force of nature, capable of expressing a swath of emotions with incredible power and nuance. She effortlessly switches between delicate ballads and high-energy rock anthems, showcasing her applaudable versatility as an artist.
Folick joins Aly & AJ after an extensive tour across the UK/EU with fellow pop songstress Tove Lo. Her forthcoming album Roach is said to be “her clearest and most direct work yet.”
With Love From Tour
After Folick’s performance, sister-songwriter duo Aly & AJ took the stage. The With Love From Tour showcases the duo’s maturation since their Disney Channel days. A crowd-pleasing set features a mix of new material and old favorites. They say the tour is meant as “an ode to the people who have kept with us for so long.”
Songs like “After Hours” showcases their pop sensibilities and ability to craft a catchy hook. Reimagined performances of their DCOM-era hits “Potential Breakup Song” and “Like Whoa” satiate the burning early 2000s nostalgia that feels palpable in the room. It’s a hearty dose of Cali-vibes and breezy harmonies. Just what the doctor ordered for Portlanders yearning for some Vitamin D.
