2024/02/28 – Renee Rapp – o2 Academy, Birmingham
Review & Photos: G. Rossington.
Renee Rapp brought her powerhouse vocals and captivating stage presence to the O2 Academy Birmingham, delivering a performance that left the audience mesmerized. The venue, known for its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, was the perfect backdrop for an evening of emotive music and dynamic showmanship.
The night began with performances from two promising opening acts. First up was Towa Bird, whose soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics set a warm, introspective tone. Her performance of ‘FML’, ‘Boomerang’ and ‘Drain Me!’ resonated deeply with the audience, creating an intimate connection right from the start. Following her was recent Brit Award ‘Rising Star’ nominee Sekou, whose energetic and catchy tunes like ‘Forgiving Myself’, ‘Too Young’ and ‘Time Will Tell’ injected a burst of energy into the room, getting the crowd ready for the main event.
As the clock hits 9pm, Renee Rapp took the stage, the crowd erupted into applause. Opening with ‘Talk Too Much’, she immediately showcased her powerful vocals and emotional depth. Rapp’s commanding stage presence was evident from the start, drawing the audience in with every note. There is some one to one banter with an audience member before ‘Willow’ as the fan attempts to call their friend and wants Renee to say hello… unfortunately, there is no answer.
The setlist was a well-balanced mix of tracks from her debut album and recent release ‘Snow Angel’. Songs like ‘Bruises’ and ‘Colorado’ highlighted her ability to blend deeply personal lyrics with catchy melodies, creating moments of both introspection and exhilaration. Her performance of ‘Pretty Girls’, dedicated to all the ladies in the room, was particularly moving, with Rapp’s vocal delivery capturing the raw emotion of the song.
Rapp’s stage presence was both captivating and relatable. Between songs, Rapp shared personal stories and interacted with the audience, expressing genuine gratitude for their support. This connection made the performance feel intimate, despite the packed venue. She is joined on stage by Towa Bird for two performances; ‘Tummy Hurts’ and a cover of The Cranberries ‘Linger’. The latter of which causes a huge singalong and phone lights to come out in force.
Other highlights from the night included; ‘Not My Fault’, ‘Gemini Moon’ and ‘The Wedding Song’, a song that resonated deeply with the audience, who sang along to every word. The final song of the night, the album’s title track ‘Snow Angel’ was an emotional high point, leaving the audience in awe of her talent and artistry.
Renee Rapp’s performance at the Academy was a night of exceptional music and heartfelt performance. The combination of her powerful vocals, emotive lyrics, and engaging stage presence created an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance. The intimate venue amplified the emotional impact of the songs, making for a deeply personal and moving concert. An exceptional concert that left a lasting impression.
