On Saturday, March 14, Bostonians and out-of-towners packed into Paradise Rock Club, eager to catch BENEE on her “Particles Tour.” The evening opened with a half-hour act by Brooklyn-based up-and-comer Bayli — who donned a bodycon dress that read: “LIVE HOWEVER YOU LIKE NOBODY CARES A DAMN” — featuring original songs like “sushi for breakfast” and certified crowd-pleasers like Frank Ocean’s “Super Rich Kids.” By the time Bayli had nearly finished her set, the venue had filled, concert-goers warmed and ready for the main event.
BENEE — who deserves an award for promptness, honestly — kicked things off with her 2024 single “Sad Boiii,” followed by “Cinnamon” and “Vegas” — all off her latest album, “Ur an Angel I’m Just Particles.” The New Zealand alt-pop artist stuck to a 20-song setlist, which included a mix of early hits (“Supalonely”), fresh releases (“Princess”) and covers (Joji’s “Afterthought,” on which BENEE appears). Around the concert’s mid-way point, she delivered a slowed, ethereal rendition of “Doesn’t Matter,” backed only by electric guitar, before dashing offstage and leaving the band to do an instrumental version of “Make You Sick.”
BENEE settled into an easy rapport with the audience, who explained the term “Masshole” to Benee, expressed their appreciation for “Minecraft” (being a gamer girl herself, BENEE is featured on “A Minecraft Movie’s” soundtrack) and even sang into the mic on “Supalonely.” She brought an ideal dose of energy — everyone was dancing (or at least swaying!) and singing along, though the crowd never teetered into rowdiness.
While backed by a drummer, guitarist and audio mixer, BENEE’s vocals took center stage. Always on key, she toed the line between belting lyrics and delivering them delicately. She even went a cappela for a second there — and proved she could’ve done the whole show like that, if she so chose.
Wrapping up by a respectable 10:15pm, BENEE’s Boston stop gave the audience, I’d assume, what they came for: a solid show that neither dragged on nor skipped out on crowd favorites. Everyone (BENEE included) seemed to have fun, at least from where I was standing — and that’s what live music is all about.
Catch the “Particles Tour” in a city near you! Get your tickets here.
