With social media trends like ‘Brat Summer’ circling about, as well as the uproar of fame for transgressive pop artists like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, Troye Sivan’s ‘Something To Give Each Other Tour’ was exactly what the world needed. This summer, pop artists have embraced a new and exciting energy; music like Sivan’s celebrates connection, queerness, sexual pleasure, and above all, community. This concert gave us that and much, much more. 

 

The show centred mainly around the titular album Something To Give Each Other. This was Sivan’s third studio album, released after a brutal 5 year break during the pandemic. Understandably, the album’s central theme has been described as ‘human connection’, a theme which underscores the atmosphere both of the audience, and of the engaging and sensual performance on stage. Sivan energetically melded his own stage presence with the choreography of his dancers, emulating the excitable and intimate ‘Rush’ music video. Sivan himself commanded the audience’s attention, taking his time to express his love for his fans, and to admit how much he had missed performing and enjoying music with them following the pandemic. 

 

music like Sivan’s celebrates connection, queerness, sexual pleasure, and above all, community

 

The overall atmosphere of the show echoed this need to revitalise and rejoice. The stage was framed with glowing metal bars – almost resembling scaffolding – combining a sense of rugged masculinity with the pomp and extravagance of cabaret. The multicoloured lighting throughout the show seemed to bring the whole room and everyone in it back to life, leaving nothing to hide. Every angle and edge was highlighted in a beautiful cacophony of light and magic. This was combined with a stunning display of animated artwork and images on the big screens (pictured above) that gave the music another layer of life and experience.

 

Following the surprise appearance of Ross Lynch – co-star of Sivan’s ‘One Of Your Girls’ music video – at the London concert earlier in the week, Birmingham fans were anticipating a captivating show; that’s exactly what Sivan – alongside his amazing backup dancers – delivered. The aforementioned song was definitely one of the best performances of the night, evoking a sensuality and playfulness that only Sivan can deliver so effortlessly. 

 

Similarly, the hit single ‘Rush’ was a highlight of the show; the entire audience was on its feet and dancing. This single was definitely one of  ‘the’ songs of the summer. The ebbing and flowing of the dancers, and the encouragement from Sivan, invited the entire crowd to be a part of their intense experience. 

 

the hit single ‘Rush’ was a highlight of the show; the entire audience was on its feet and dancing

 

Despite my love and praise for this album – which I hope comes through in waves – I do have a slight nit-pick. Though it is probably biased, I do wish that the setlist had featured more of Sivan’s older discography; many of his fans grew up with him and spent their childhood’s listening to his early music. Though this new album boldly demonstrates his growth into maturity and adult themes, and indeed maintains his emotive and vulnerable style of songwriting, I mourned for the nostalgia of my early favourites. Again, this choice of setlist makes the most sense, considering Troye’s new emphasis on community and change. But this is why, to conclude, I will confidently denote ‘My My My’ (from his second album Bloom) as the song of the night. The entire audience, predictably, was more familiar and excited for this song, which had been one of the biggest hits from Bloom. The youthful happiness and glow of the song elevated the entire show. 

 

Despite this little qualm, which is more to do with personal preference than anything else, this concert was certainly one of the best I’ve been to, and makes me eager to see what Sivan will do next. 

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