Alice Phoebe Lou Delivers an Entrancing Set at Union Transfer, Philadelphia
- Emma Zoe Polyak
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
Philadelphia crowds are known for being loud. Let’s face it, Philadelphia itself is known for being loud. This Tuesday, however, a small pocket of the city fell quiet, swaying together and basking in the warmth of Alice Phoebe Lou’s music. Union Transfer provided the perfect environment for Lou’s stripped-back set, and although the room was full, there was an intimate feeling throughout the night.
Most of the set was just Lou and her instruments, something that she admitted made her nervous at first. Nevertheless, she seemed entirely at home on the stage, chatting casually with the crowd in between songs and breaking the silence with laughs and reflections about her songs.
The night started with John Andrews & The Yawns, who likewise played a stripped back solo set. Transitioning between a guitar and piano, Andrews’ easy-going songs quickly put the crowd to ease. He also shared his regional ties – he was born in New Jersey and spent time living in Philadelphia – and even pointed out family members in the audience. He ended his set with a little jam at the piano, leaving everyone buzzing for Lou.
I first saw Lou live when she opened for Clairo in 2024. While that performance hinted at her ability to command a room, the spell she cast over the crowd took on a different form when everyone was there to see her. It often felt as if the room was holding its breath, waiting and observing her create music in real-time.
A lot of her recent album, Oblivion, made its way into the set. The album is a lot more minimal compared to her other releases, and while that can sometimes struggle to translate at first listen, the songs were elevated and enriched by Lou’s presence in a live setting. The lack of production drew all the attention to Lou’s vocals, which glided effortlessly through heartbreaking and achingly sweet lyrics.
She spoke about how wholesome it felt to create Oblivion, despite the external pressures that often push artists toward constant growth or escalation. Hearing her joy in working on a “small and simple” project made me appreciate the night even more, and from the cheers around me, I think the crowd agreed.
“You must like sad music if you’re here,” she also joked at one point, but there was a touch of truth to it. Certain songs like “Oblivion,” which she played at the piano, had an extra level of yearning when sung live. Still, the night had more joy than sorrow, with a couple getting engaged right before “Angel.” The crowd also joined in on a sing-along during Lou’s cover of Neil Young’s Harvest Moon.
Her North American tour continues through April, with additional European dates throughout the summer. Find more information here, and check out the gallery from her Philadelphia show below!
