Live Recap: Perfume Genius with Hand Habits at Mr. Smalls Theatre
Perfume Genius, aka Mike Hadreas, performed a mesmerizing show at Pittsburgh’s Mr. Smalls Theatre, in honor of his critically acclaimed album Set My Heart on Fire Immediately.
Starting with an understated but powerful opening set from singer-songwriter Hand Habits, aka Meg Duffy (also a member of Perfume Genius’ band). They kept it simple, a guitar and two simple lights to hide them which allowed focus to fall on their voice and music. It worked. In a setting that often is noisy, chatty ‘opener’ space, the crowd was silent and rapt. It was a really powerful and a wonderful start to the show.
Perfume Genius followed up with a fantastic set. Sometimes playful, sometimes moody, the raw and honest performance was an enchanting reminder of the power of his music. From the electronic beats of opening song “Your Body Changes Everything” through the stunning “Fool” and more. Surprisingly few from his anticipated June release, “Ugly Season” with only “Photograph” finding its way into the set list the rest was full of some of Hadreas best known work. Including ending with “Queen” and a great rendition of “Grid”.
It’s been a long time since the last time I caught a Perfume Genius show but it is as I remembered, in turns bold, shy, intimate, playful, serious and seductive. Just fantastic. Check out photos of the evening below, and see where you can catch the tour next here.
