[Concert Review] Laufey Bewitches Phoenix with an Enchanting Night of Jazz and Storytelling
The Icelandic singer-songwriter and Grammy nominee Laufey delivered an absolutely enchanting performance at The Van Buren on November 13, 2023. Going into the concert, I wasn’t too familiar with her music, but by the time the night ended, I was completely spellbound. Since then, I’ve had her songs on repeat during every class, unable to shake the magic she left behind—especially "Let You Break My Heart Again."
🌙 A Spellbinding Start
Even before the show began, the atmosphere inside The Van Buren was filled with anticipation. A soft, melodic overture played over the speakers, setting the perfect mood for what was to come. As soon as the music faded and the lights dimmed, The Lauvers (Laufey’s dedicated fans) erupted into cheers, eagerly awaiting her arrival.
The moment she stepped onto the stage, the energy in the room intensified—cheers turned into thunderous applause, and you could feel the sheer adoration radiating from the audience. With a graceful presence, she opened her "Bewitched Tour" set with "Fragile" from her debut album, Everything I Know About Love.
From the first note, Laufey’s soft-spoken yet deeply alluring vocals cast a mesmerizing spell over the crowd. Every lyric was met with a choir of voices singing along, creating a harmonious, almost ethereal atmosphere. As she finished the opening song, she smiled and took a moment to reminisce about the last time she played in Phoenix—recalling a much smaller, sweatier basement venue. The crowd chuckled, fully captivated by her warmth and humor.
🎻 A Night of Storytelling and Musical Brilliance
One of the most endearing aspects of Laufey’s performance was her ability to seamlessly weave storytelling into her set. Each song was introduced with a personal anecdote, making the night feel like an intimate gathering rather than a sold-out concert.
A particularly memorable moment came when she introduced "Beautiful Stranger", sharing how the song was inspired by a fleeting moment—a handsome stranger she once saw on the London tube. The way she dreamt up an entire scenario in her mind, only for it to remain an untouched fantasy, resonated deeply with the audience. And when she finally performed the song, you could hear a collective sigh of admiration floating through the venue.
Despite being new to Laufey’s music, I was completely fascinated by her musicianship. Watching her effortlessly switch between the cello, piano, and guitar throughout the set was mesmerizing. Her ability to command the stage with elegance, while also delivering a flawless vocal and instrumental performance, was nothing short of breathtaking.
🎶 A Magical Ending with "From The Start"
As the concert drew to a close, the opening chords of "From The Start" sent an electric jolt through the venue. The crowd screamed with excitement, recognizing the beloved hit from The Bewitched album. The energy surged to its highest point as every single fan in the room sang along, word for word, their voices blending into a euphoric chorus.
It was the kind of moment that transcends a typical concert experience—where artist and audience become one, bound together by the sheer love of music. By the final note, it was clear: Laufey didn’t just perform in Phoenix, she left behind a lingering enchantment that would stay with us long after we left The Van Buren.
💫 Final Thoughts: A Concert to Remember
Laufey’s performance wasn’t just a concert—it was an experience. She brought not only her signature blend of jazz, classical, and pop, but also a personal, heartfelt connection that made the night feel special. Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone discovering her music for the first time, her live show is a mesmerizing journey worth taking.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A Night of Pure Musical Magic
