mehro performs at Subterranean in Chicago on Feb. 22, 2024.
“I want us to align. I want us to be together and unified in this experience,” said mehro early in their set at Subterranean in Chicago on Feb. 22.
The L.A.-based singer-songwriter proceeded to lead fans through deep breathing exercises while also encouraging strangers in the crowd to share smiles. They proceeded to inspire further connections playing the comforting chords of “not alone.”
Throughout the Thursday night, all ages concert, mehro built on the buzz they’ve been receiving for their personal storytelling and endlessly appealing compositions. Songs like “dopamine,” “like you’re god,” and the “dance party” inspiring “cynical” all had fans swept up in the moment.
mehro performs at Subterranean in Chicago on Feb. 22, 2024.
Last year, mehro previously played a stripped-down set at Thalia Hall, but, for the Subterranean show, they were joined by a pair of musicians who amplified the versatility of the songwriting. “pirate song” began as a haunting allegory and evolved into an all-out jam. “hideous” – which mehro explained was inspired by a moment of romantic devastation – connected fans in the universal experience of heartbreak, creating a moment to look ahead with confidence rather than look back with regret.
Though the Subterranean show had a bigger and bolder sound with the support of a full band, mehro still took time out for raw vulnerability with a solo acoustic portion that began with “who are you.” “whore,” “reason to live,” and “chance with you” were also highlights from the evening’s setlist.
Earlier in the night, King Isis opened the show with an acoustic set full of songs from their debut EP scales and the forthcoming EP shed, which will be released on March 21. “Cesspool,” “SPARKLY” and “MAKE IT UP” resonated with fans thanks to their poetic lyricism and King Isis’ ethereal voice. Covers of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish further demonstrated King Isis’ impressive vocal flair.
King Isis performs at Subterranean in Chicago on Feb. 22, 2024.
Certain musicians can instantly make fans feel at home. With their love for relating with people with candid, infectious music, mehro’s performance had a disarming quality that inspired fans to shout things out during the night, including a few who wanted to thank the artist for making their first concert experience so memorable.
mehro expressed gratitude for everyone who came out – whether it was their first, second, or third concert. From the sounds of fans cheering all night long, everyone is already looking forward to the next opportunity to see mehro live on stage.
Check out photos from the Subterranean concert featuring mehro and King Isis below and click here to stream mehro’s latest album Dark Corners and Alchemy. More information can be found at Mehromusic.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
