It's Never A 'Cruel World' When Holly Humberstone's In Town

‘Twas the opening night of English singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone’s Cruel World Tour and Bostonians flocked to Paradise Rock Club to celebrate. The sold-out show filled up right at doors on June 3rd, with fans in frilly summer outfits skipping to their spots in the venue. First up was bedroom pop artist Diva Smith, who captivated the crowd with her smooth vocals and intimate songwriting. Tracks like “End Of If All” and “I Can See In The Dark” blended vulnerable lyricism and swooping melodies, making her a stellar pick for a double bill with Humberstone. She paused to praise the city, sharing that her performance earlier this year in Cambridge marked the first time an audience knew the words to her songs. She took some time to chat with everyone, sharing that she rode the train down from New York this morning, that she is a teacher, and, most importantly, that she has a new EP coming out this month. She played an unreleased track about the complex feelings of getting older, leaving fans craving more. 

The lights dimmed again, and fans released thunderous cheers. The sound of a heavy clock bell rang through the speakers as the lights flashed blue, transporting Boston to Humberstone's fantasy-fairytale world. The singer skipped out in a white floral button-up shirt, black ruffled shorts, and matching black knee-high boots to the sparkling opening notes of the electro dream-pop track “Make It All Better.” She kickstarted the night dancing around the stage, waving to excited fans. Lyrics like “If anybody hurts you baby / I wanna make it all better” lifted everyone’s spirits and expressed her love for her fans. The singer’s ethereal energy complemented her soft and sweet vocals. She sprinkled in new fan favorites and deep cuts across the setlist, like the title track “Cruel World” and the achy anthem “Kissing In Swimming Pools.” 

Her infectious smile and bubbly personality lit up the venue for the rest of the night. Since this was the opening show of the tour, she executed some passionate live debuts, including the catchy track “Red Chevy.” The singer kept the energy high all night, keeping eyes glued to the stage. She ended the show with “Scarlett.” Although a tender breakup song, clever lyrics like “And I will show myself out / I know I adore you” served as a loving goodbye to adoring fans. Make sure to catch Diva Smith and Holly Humberstone live before the Cruel World Tour ends in September and, if you’re lucky, again when Humberstone opens for Gracie Abrams in December. Buy tickets here.