Cornelia Murr's concert at Toad's Place showcased her intricate and mesmerizing discography, marking a transformation in her previously “fraught relationship” with live performances into something entirely different.
Early this year, when Murr spoke with Atwood Magazine about her second album, Run to the Center—a folksy, dreamlike endeavor—she expressed her feelings about live performances:
“To be honest, I have a complex relationship with playing live, but it’s not that I dislike it. It’s mostly because I've often had to do it solo for logistical reasons, and I really want to move past that… I'm going to be touring extensively this year and am genuinely determined to make it work… I still have goals for my live shows that I haven't achieved, and I'm eager to explore that… I’m really looking forward to it; I think it's time!”
After witnessing her performance at Toad's Place in New Haven, Connecticut, it is evident that Murr has found bandmates with a strong chemistry, effectively translating her unique sound onto the stage, which richly complements her enchanting catalog.
Murr was the opening act for Matt Maltese on his ‘Tour For You My Whole Life’ tour. With soundscapes and vocals as immersive as Maltese’s own work, she was an excellent opener, preparing the audience for his set. Within her limited time as an opener, Murr delivered a mix of both new and older songs, all within the melancholic, alternative, lyrical pop subgenre her music embodies.
Standout tracks included newer songs like “Meantime” and “How Do You Get By.” While these songs resonate independently in their studio recordings, the live versions illuminated their intricate details and dynamics. From the triumphant waves of synth that build and recede towards the end of “Meantime” to the contrasting thumping drums and Murr's gentle voice in “How Do You Get By,” the performance imbued the songs with a captivating, hypnotic quality.
One remarkable aspect of the show was the evident engagement and passion displayed by each member of Murr’s band, particularly since Murr had mentioned touring alone before the release of Run to the Center. While it may be a minor expectation for band members to be invested in the performance, the connection among musicians was palpable—whether it was James Preston on bass and backing vocals or Henry Raker on flute and synth—each showcased clear moments of being in a flow state with the hypnotic music they created. This synergy further enhanced the allure of Murr's voice and overall songs.
Murr continued to delight the audience with fan favorites such as the ethereal “Tokyo Kyoto” and “Different This Time” from her first album, Lake Tear of the Clouds, alongside newer, folk-infused tracks from Run to the Center like “Pushing East” and “Skylight.” Recently, she also shared two songs that didn't make it onto Run to the Center, one of which she performed called “Gotta Give.” This track exemplifies Murr at her finest, seamlessly blending the sounds of her two records. The first half features a more restrained showcasing of her vocals with broader instrumentation, and the live piano chorus is smooth and airy, while the second half builds to a grand, yet ethereal climax, harmonizing flute with the piano and Murr's voice. It was undoubtedly one of the most captivating performances of the evening.
When Matt Maltese took the stage, it seemed Murr’s night was over, but Maltese invited her back for two collaborations, a sign of his respect and admiration for her artistry. They performed Maltese's “Arthouse Cinema” and “Pined For You My Whole Life,” both tracks allowing their distinct voices to merge into a uniquely resonant tone.
After witnessing Murr at Toad's Place, it’s clear that her relationship with live performances has transformed into one characterized by camaraderie and authentic expression, a stark contrast to her previous experiences.
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:: Connect with Cornelia Murr here ::
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Cornelia Murr © Skyler Kim
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Cornelia Murr's performance at Toad's Place showcased her intricate and mesmerizing discography, transforming her previous "fraught relationship" with live performances into a completely fresh experience.