Concert Review: Tomi Is Is A Desert Glam Queen At Mercury Lounge
Wailing on notes from her latest EP, What Kind of Love, Tomi felt like a desert rock goddess at Mercury Lounge. Her big, flowing curly hair and natural glamorousness recalled the 80’s days of “Take My Breathe Away”; when love felt big and synth-waves were ESSENTIAL to music. With vibe set, Tomi was ready to send us off on a “journey.”
If there was one word Tomi said throughout the night, it was “journey”. She is a very descriptive artist; not only in giving the backstories of her songs but also in giving the backstory of a moment. She will tell you when she is about to “slow the journey” and “amp it back up again.”
The result is an ambiance that feels very safe, warm, and incredibly interpersonal. It is as if she is holding your hand in tale so that she can hold your heart in song, which you let her do both. She is so kind and smiley why not let your heart remember love makes it bigger: even if for just an hour show.
TOMI – What Kind Of Love (Official Video)
From “Coming Around” To “Alien,” her voice has a quiet bigness. There is a natural “pleading” quality to how she emotes her vocals; as if she is not just hitting a note but yearning to know the meaning behind her feelings. Why does she feel “Every Morning I Feel Like Running Away?” Lyrically, she questions love for how it makes her question herself, which is why, through he friendliness, she throws off conceptions that being open is an act of fearlessness. On the contrary, you open up because you have fear, and you are hoping that, in admitting this, you gain love. Thus, her ability to radiate emotionality, from every vocal belt to whimper, gave her electro-infused, recorded tracks a more grounded feel when live.
TOMI – Every Morning I Feel Like Running Away (Audio)
In recording, Tomi’s music comes off epic, but, in concert, its simmers into its nuances, which is surprising and wonderful. While you may dance and rock out, especially because her delivery is so fierce, Tomi truly takes her concert as an opportunity to elaborate her artistry. Yes, she could be considered desert pop or even glam rock, but, ultimately, she is a person trying to figure out love, which is the most artistic thing to do. For More Information On Tomi Click Here.
