The South African singer stopped by Denver in between music festivals for her first headline show in the city. 

Through ethereal vocals and whimsical production, Alice Phoebe Lou crafts stunning melodies about romance and yearning. 

Between sets at music festivals worldwide, the 33-year-old South African singer-songwriter stopped at the Ogden Theatre in Denver on Sept. 23. 

“Hey Denver, how are you guys doing? I’m so happy to be here,” Lou remarked to cheers from the audience. “I realized today this is our first headline show in Denver, which is kind of crazy.” 

Lou released her most recent solo album “Oblivion” last year. Her work traverses alt-indie pop, jazz, folk, and blues with experimental and electronic influences. Currently based in Berlin, Germany, Lou is also part of lofi and indie pop band strongboi — they’re already set to play the Bluebird Theater on March 1. 

“I’m jetlagged to the nines, so it might get a little psychedelic,” Lou told the Denver crowd. 

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It always does. Her music floats in a spiritual realm, as shown by her look: a rainbow tie-dyed dress and flowing blonde hair. She embraces a warmth akin to Clairo with sweet lyricism about finding your perfect person. 

Angelic performance

Lou began alone with an acoustic guitar, as deep orange and purple lights poured down. She delivered beautiful vocal runs on “Halo,” bathed in golden light like an angel. 

On “Shine,” her voice echoed throughout the venue as if it were a cathedral. “Isn’t it so lovely to be in each other’s dreams?” she sang on the heartwarming track. “We’re in each other’s future too.”

The full band emerged to continue developing the dreamy world with “Touch” as the audience swayed together. 

Checking in on her fans, Lou asked, “Everyone comfy and safe and hydrated?” People cheered, a hopeful sign, especially since a couple of people needed assistance after fainting during her opener’s set.

With “Dusk,” Lou leaned into the kind of love where you lock eyes with someone and everything else falls away. Swirling blue lights crawled up the wall behind her band as she sang the intimate track. 

The Ogden became a hazy jazz club on “Only When I.” The audience cheered as Lou scrunched up her dress and drew her arm above her head.

Spellbinding gratitude

“I’m having a great time,” Lou said, giddily jumping beside her microphone stand. Her adorable, hippy energy paused as she moved to the keyboard for her haunting lofi lullaby “Driveby.” She played another few songs by herself under a simple spotlight. 

Lou explained that she used to perform on the streets. When she was really down, she would play an Angel Olsen cover to feel better. Lou chose “Unfucktheworld,” a song about valuing yourself. 

She waltzed across the stage to “Open My Door,” showcasing her strong, Madison Cunningham-laced alto. Lou also saved her popular single “Witches” for the end, promising to put a spell on her partner. The timing was perfect with fall just beginning. 

Lou blew the audience a kiss and wished everyone a beautiful night. Her band concluded the show with high-energy rock as she got down to do a push-up before heading off stage.