Baby’s All Right, Brooklyn, NY, September 28th, 2022-
Alt Pop’s newcomer Renforshort (who’s real name is Lauren Isenberg) has had quite a year since her breakout in 2019. Renforshort was not going to let a pandemic stop her musical journey from flourishing. She has performed at festivals like Lollapalooza and is now headlining her own tour. She released her teenage angst EP, a collection of songs that introduced the singer’s fresh approach to indie pop music that includes a stand out song called i drive me mad (which was also remixed by Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda). Following teenage angst came her second EP titled off saint dominique with tracks that are more relationship and love focused whereas the previous EP explored themes involving adolescence and mental health. Renforshort finally released her debut album in July of 2022 titled dear amelia. This album proves to be a strong debut with an effective combination of the themes and sounds she explores in her previous projects.
Renforshort has a quirky personality that shines when she is on stage. She is genuine and authentic while engaging the crowd with her humor and charm. Ren’s voice is distinctive with a smokey and whispery tone similar to that of Billie Eilish and Selena Gomez. She’s able to curate a sound that is filled with bass and drums and catchy hooks.
Moshpit, fall apart and her closing track i drive me mad are prime examples of Ren’s ability to infuse heavy bass and drum instrumentals with a standout hook while ensuring that her voice is the center of the piece. These songs are incredible live because she amplifiies the energy of the songs while performing. Her live band is outstanding at bringing the tracks to life as well.
Ren also covered a hit 90s song called Where Is My Mind? By The Pixies, this song was a perfect choice because it gives listeners an insight into the inspiration behind a lot of her music. Her track let you down features Jake Bugg, who Ren has said is a musician she is influenced by, is an emotional duet that explores the guilt found in the person who needs to move on from a relationship.
My personal favorites from the show were hate the way you love me, Julian, king of manhattan, better off, moshpit, and fuck, i luv my friends. Renforshort has an ability to express her inner thoughts in her lyrics that explores her experiences struggling with mental health, sex, love, death, and all things growing up. The meaning behind her album title dear amelia she explains is a love letter to herself because she views amelia as her alter ego.
This was an incredible show to witness because it was at an intimate space which made the music feel extremely personal. It was amazing to see Renforshort’s growth as an artist and hear her spectacular voice in person. Ren is an innate and outstanding performer who has the potential to be filling stadiums.
Setlist broken down:
dear amelia: Julian, king of manhattan, moshpit, better off, let you down, not my friend, i thot you were cool, hate the way you love me, made for you, amelia, i miss myself
off saint dominique: lust to love, wannabe, fall apart
teenage angst: bummer, i drive me mad
singles: afterthoughts, fuck i luv my friends
Cover: where is my mind?
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