Snail Mail Live at the Riviera [REVIEW]

Snail Mail performed at the Riviera Theatre in Uptown last Thursday to a packed crowd in Chicago. Graced by the unique and classic architecture of the Riviera, the night was set in a lively atmosphere. Many people surrounded the pit area with even more people watching from the upper level by the bars as well as the balcony theatre seats. Riviera does a great job at hosting a space where everyone feels included and like they’re watching the show from the same eyeline. Concerts thrive in an environment like that.

Joy Again opened the show, a five-guy indie band who plays their music as if they’re back in the bedroom they recorded it in. An intimate, but inclusive set followed with songs about fleeting crushes, existential life, and even lyme disease. It felt like a hangout session with your favorite friends you haven’t seen in a while, a great welcome into the show.

Snail Mail’s Lindsey Jordan came on shortly after to an excited crowd. Marble statues of cupid draped in vines graced the stage to really set the vibe of a love garden, fittingly matching Lindsey’s latest album, “Valentine” which was categorized as one of the best indie albums of last year. Towards the beginning it seemed like the sound was having some minor issues. Lindsey’s voice felt very quiet in compared to everything else, even in relation to the opener’s; it didn’t seem as strong.

Luckily, the acoustic songs felt even stronger as a result. Fan favorites like “c. et al.” and “Mia” from the new album were the highlights of the set with her band leaving the stage and a sole spotlight surrounding Lindsey and her acoustic guitar, it was definitely the strongest part of the show.

Chicago loves Snail Mail and last Thursday really showed it. Seeing Lindsey live will surely leave you reminiscent of young love, best friends, and the self-reflective journey that surrounds it all.