Following the release of her third album, “This Is How Tomorrow Moves,” alternative/indie artist Beabadoobee embarked on her 12-stop North American album tour. Beabadoobe kicked off the tour Sept. 8 in Philadelphia, and after two stops in Washington D.C. and New York City respectively, found herself at Boston’s Metro Goldwyn Mayer Music Hall at Fenway on Sept. 13.  

Accompanying Bea on this tour were alternative/indie singer Keni Titus and indie-pop duo Hovvdy. Keni Titus opened the show with a single off of her 2024 extended play “juliet,” “think i got a bad idea.” Her angsty soft-pop sound and reminiscing lyrics immediately reminded me of a more-subdued Olivia Rodrigo. Keni also played “Sid and Nancy,” “american spirit” and “just keep driving” from her discography. One of the most captivating elements from Keni’s set was the building drum rhythms in contrast to Keni’s quieter voice. 

As more of the audience filed in, Hovvdy — pronounced “howdy” — took the stage, opening with their song “Junior Day League” off of their 2021 album “True Love.” Hovvdy’s members, Charlie Martin and Will Taylor, formed the group in Austin, Texas. These southern roots shined in their voices, nostalgic lyrics and in their soft guitar. Hovvdy sang of lost love, a common theme in country music, pairing it with overlapping harmonies and adlibs that reminded me of an early-to-mid 2000s indie/alternative music. Other songs Hovvdy played from their repertoire included “Forever,” “Cathedral” and “Jean.” Both Martin and Taylor sang with such fervor that I didn’t doubt their passion for their music for a moment.

Hovvdy and Keni Titus created an intimate and heartfelt atmosphere that was more than suited to support Beabadoobee’s honest and heartfelt music. Starting from the moment Keni Titus took the stage, the intimacy between the artists and the audience was palpable for the entirety of the night.

Beabadoobee opened her set with “California,” the second song on “This Is How Tomorrow Moves.” This selection, followed by “10:36” and “Talk” from her 2022 album “Beatopia” was a decisive and dynamic way to greet the audience. In return, the audience sang Bea’s lyrics back to her, their energy electric. Opening the show with three sharp, gutsy pieces made for a chilling introduction. 

“She’s real?” Someone tearfully questioned next to me.

I was immediately taken with how closely the details put into the show resembled Bea as an artist and a personality. In the first half, there was a white backdrop concealing the full stage, highlighting the band equipment and the hanging lights that flashed in time with the music. During this part of the show, the flashing lights revealed shadows of thicker greenery from behind the backdrop. However, during the second half of the performance, the white backdrop fell to reveal the greenery that the shadows hinted at under the flashing lights, taking my breath away.

I found the set to be incredibly unique, suiting both the whimsy and angst in Bea’s music, but keeping the ambiance elegant through the greenery’s shadows and the lighting. 

“I love when you sing along,” Bea said. “We watch the TikToks and it’s funny as shit. In the best way. So make sure you sing along with this one,” she requested, playing her 2023 song “the way things go.” The audience fulfilled her request without question, filling the music hall with Bea’s lyrics. In this moment, the artist and audience worked hand-in-hand to depict an individual reminiscing over a past lover. 

One of my favorite moments from the concert was when the music fell to a slower, more intimate pace, toning down to more personal topics Bea has written about, including her boyfriend’s eyes in “Ever Seen” and her own body image in “Girl Song.” 

“This one’s for you guys!” Bea announced. Seconds after she played the first chords of “Glue Song,” it felt as if the music hall collectively swooned, an array of phone flashlights from the balcony seats flickering on resembled stars from the floor. The crowd around me sang the lyrics back to her, to which she acknowledged with a touched smile. “Glue Song” is a love song where Beabadoobee sings of falling in unique and unexpected love, ultimately feeling “stuck like glue.” While she sang, the lighting’s angle shifted to cast Bea’s swaying silhouette over the white backdrop alongside the greenery’s shadows. 

As Bea transitioned to the final few songs of her setlist, she addressed the audience again. “Thanks for sticking around. I get so nervous for these shows, but you guys make me feel comfy. So thank you,” Beabadoobee said, playing “Coming Home” from her new album. In this song, Bea sings of missing her lover while being “far away” in an “American state.” In an interview with Elle Fashion Magazine, Beabadoobee discussed that she “used to dread [touring], as it used to take a toll on her mental and physical health.” However, she revealed to the magazine that she has learned to instill “healthy boundaries” to protect herself.

“Thank you so much for having us,” Beabadoobee concluded. “You’re all so special to me and I’ll see you soon,” she smiled ironically, having referenced the title of her last song for the night: “see you soon.” 

At this show, I experienced a rising artist who has a clear idea of her sound as a musician and an unbreakable connection to her listeners.