Article and Photos by: Casey Steinmiller
Kansas City, MO — Fans circled the block several times over waiting to get into the venue. Screams were heard from fans who managed to get a glimpse of Melanie Martinez as she went from the bus to the venue. The midland was sold out at 2700 for a packed show.
The crowd was still funneling in as the Alvarez Kings took the stage. Hailing from Sheffield UK, they’re an indie band that knows how to bring the energy to the stage. With songs that have a strong build up such as “Run From You to Tell Tale Heart,” they kept the crowd very engaged. They also played songs off of their most recent album Fear To Feel like “Tortured & The Tears.” They ended with the song “Fear to Feel,” where the lead singer Simon Thompson jumped down into the barricade space and sang to the crowd, finishing off an exciting set.
After the set change, the curtain went up to reveal a set reminiscent of a baby’s room. Even the drummer and guitarist were dressed as teddy bears. A crib in the middle was lit up by a single light. Eerie music started to play while the crowd roared in excitement. Melanie Martinez burst out of the crib and the song “Dollhouse” begins. Melanie couldn’t have had a bigger grin. As she continued playing her set, people threw candy, stuffed animals, and even… a potato? She stopped the show and asked “Did someone really just throw a potato on stage? That’s amazing. I’m gonna name him Tater Tot.”. Clearly this fan knew her material, as the potato incident prompted her to segue into the next song, “Mrs. Potato Head,” which Martinez stated was the hardest track on the album to write. She danced around the stage as she continued her set with songs from her newest album, Cry Baby.
From Alphabet Boy to Pity Party the crowd cheered along. Martinez ended her set with the song, “Cake” and then left the stage. The crowd started chanting again “Melanie! Melanie!”. She came back out for one more song Mad Hatter and finished the show leaving the massive crowd very satisfied.
Catch Melanie Martinez in a city near you.