Lorde and I go way back. I still remember those ads on my Spotify Freemium account telling me to listen to The Love Club EP and obliging.
Since then, it’s been years of album cycles, having Melodrama on repeat through my first ever break up, listens of “Ribs” at kick-ons with my best friend after everyone else had left, and the multiple live shows I’ve been fortunate enough to attend. (He’s in touch with his emotions!)
And now, somehow, I find myself here: in the basement of The Imperial, Erskineville, where, just three days ago, I was shaking my ass after my very over the top 30th birthday party that featured a talent show.
Tonight, Triple J are hosting the first full listen of Lorde’s new album, Virgin, in Australia, and I’m one of the lucky ones to have been invited.
Not much has changed in the last three days, except now the space is packed with Lorde loyalists and I’m much more sober.
The room is bathed in moody blue lighting, with Virgin posters plastered everywhere and the iconic basement screen displaying the album artwork, complete with a countdown to the album’s first Australian play through. I am at least the fourth-oldest person in the room, surrounded by fans who were probably in primary school when I first heard Lorde’s debut.
Before the countdown ends, Sydney drag superstar Etcetera Etcetera takes the stage and totally serves cunt. The crowd is infatuated. So am I.
Then the countdown hits zero, and Lorde appears… on screen. She licks her lips repeatedly and delivers a short but sweet message: “I can’t wait for you all to hear this album, I’m so proud of it.” The room erupts. My feet are sore.
The album kicks off with the latest single, “Hammer,” followed by the lead track, “What Was That”. The energy lifts and bodies are moving.
Then comes a flurry of unreleased songs like “Shapeshifter”, shifting the mood into slower territory but remaining danceable. The record is sprinkled with potential hits like “Favourite Daughter” and “GRWN” (which actually stands for Grown Woman, not a misspelling of Get Ready With Me).
“Favourite Daughter” stands out, it feels so authentically Lorde but extremely new. The lyrics hit deep and the melody is an instant ear worm. I can’t wait to play this song to death.
Moments on the album like “Clearblue” see Lorde channel her inner Imogen Heap, an emotional raw autotuned ballad with minimal production.
Nearing the end of the album, “If You Could See Me Now” explores new territory for Lorde, channeling a more 90s pop sound with sprinkles of rock. It’s giving Backstreet Boys but in the most Lorde way possible.
“David” closes off the album, and in true Lorde style it’s another beautiful final track joining the likes of Oceanic Feeling or A World Alone. It’s anthemic and raw, all while including a build to a synth that will well and truly tear your headphones apart.
It’s a short but sweet listen, and I’m an instant fan. But I couldn’t help but think: Damn, I should’ve just listened to this Friday morning with headphones on and my dog licking my face. I’m old.
At 30 (and three days), being at a listening party felt… awkward. My thoughts include: Am I cringe? Why do I keep dancing like that? Why do I keep standing up and sitting down? What has my boyfriend cooked for dinner?
Still, while it’s too early to say for sure, Lorde has never done me wrong. And from what I was able to hear through the chatter and screams, it sounds like she’s back doing her… even though I remain a Solar Power loyalist.
Being 30 at one of these events feels strange. I’ve learned it might not be the space for me anymore but I stand by my youthful angst. I’ll be streaming.
I’m treating this expedition as a celebration of my younger self, may he never die.
And when Lorde announces the tour? I’ll be there. Probably from the seats.
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