When Charli xcx first teased that her eighth studio album would have a fluorescent green cover with a grainy black text reading Brat, many were sceptical. But here we are today where that album has been nominated for nine Grammys, used in a US election campaign and has catapulted Charli into cultural stardom. So it was with great privilege and excitement that I got to see Charli at the absolute peak of her powers on the Brat arena tour when it stopped off in Birmingham.

The atmosphere at BP Pulse Live was electric as Shygirl took to the stage performing tune after tune that demanded the crowd to dance. The perfect warm-up for what was to come. Shortly after, the lights went down and ‘Immaterial’ by the late, great SOPHIE began to play, which served as a heartwarming nod to one of the most important figures in Charli’s career. Then after an immersive show of flashing lights and sound, a curtain dropped brandishing the iconic Brat green. Charli entered the stage to a thunderous reception and began the first track of the night, ‘365 (featuring shygirl)’ with the crowd now at fever pitch, hanging on her every word. This was followed by ‘360’ with Charli confidently strutting around the stage, evidently in her element. She then tore down the green curtain as the vivacious track ‘Von Dutch’ started, this was a highlight for me. During this she utilised the runway, B-stage and even a cage underneath the runway. There wasn’t a single person seated during the show and there was a sea of people bouncing throughout which is a testament to what Charli has created with this album. The energy remained high through songs like ‘Club classics’ and ‘Rewind’. For the next portion of the show Charli ascended to the top of the stage, and I can only imagine that she had an amazing view of her adoring fans down below. Whilst up there she sang the classic ‘Unlock it’ before Brat bangers ‘Talk, Talk’ and smash hit ‘Apple’ with fans across the arena all doing its iconic dance. 

The rave-like atmosphere of the show was slowed down for a moment for the emotional ‘So I’, the performance of the song really emphasised how much the song and SOPHIE mean to Charli. Nonetheless, the hits continued with ‘Girl, so confusing’ where Charli demanded the crowd to sing Lorde’s verse back to her which they of course did in deafening fashion. The fourth act of the show was also filled with absolute hits which just continued to showcase the immense catalogue of songs Charli possesses. ‘Speed Drive’, ‘Sympathy is a knife’ and the GRAMMY nominated ‘Guess’ all rendered hysterical reactions from the crowd. Charli then left the stage before being willed back on for an encore. Cult classic ‘Vroom Vroom’ was followed by an immense performance of ‘Track 10’ which saw Charli singing and dancing under pouring water which really added a gripping element to the live show. Still damp, Charli completed her triumphant set with her iconic track ‘I Love It’ before leaving the stage to a wave of thunderous applause and cheers, after being thoroughly entertained.

From her use of the stage, the crowd interactions and the best camera work I have ever seen at a concert, this show was a prime example of how to put on an amazing live performance. Charli has created a cultural phenomenon with this album and this tour was a continuation of that work. It has taken her a long time to reach this level but Charli is a star and is made for arenas. I would encourage anyone to see her in concert, it will be one of the best you will go to!

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