Sensual pop-rockstar FLETCHER’s first live album THE ANTIDOTE: FLETCHER LIVE is, in fact, an antidote. This album, recorded at Radio City Music Hall in New York, packages the beautiful tragedies of love, insecurity, and truth into a front-to-back catharsis. Featuring a generous 21 tracks, the double LP immerses the listener into FLETCHER’s exhilarating tour environment. Hits and B-sides from her albums Girl Of My Dreams and In Search Of The Antidote mesh together into a captivating setlist, with the support of her masterful live band.
There is much to enjoy by playing the album straight through, as each song displays a unique aspect of FLETCHER’s character. However, five tracks stood out in terms of performance and connection.
“Maybe I Am”
“Maybe I Am” plays first, introducing the show with suspense. The live arrangement shines a light on the band, invoking a psychedelic atmosphere through lingering guitars and instinctive, thumping drums. FLETCHER’s commanding stage presence is a rarity; she magnetically pulls people into her world. Through her smooth, rich vocal tone and remnants of 2000’s alternative rock, she tells a story of conquering life by owning up to flaws and weak moments. What’s particularly touching is the level of enthusiasm with which the crowd sings the second chorus. The fans and FLETCHER get each other on a deep level.
“Pretending”
Before “Pretending” even begins, excited bursts of screams can be heard in the recording. The pop-rock instrumental carries on, especially showcasing her raw emotion with near-wailing vocals. FLETCHER’s vocal technique becomes clear as she belts with impressive stability, releasing the type of angst that tugs at a sensitive heart: As if I’m not what you’re waiting for / Like I’m not in your ending / Yeah, for now, we’ll both keep pretending
“Ego Talking”
The audience shows out with “Ego Talking,” almost competing with FLETCHER’s high-climbing vocals. Truly everybody knows the lyrics to this incredibly honest track; a testament to its profound relatability. Instead of treating her insecurities with shame, she proudly hands them a microphone, and sometimes that is necessary. Wishing ill on an ex-lover she sings: Hope my lips haunt you for life / Hearin’ my name twists the knife / Hopin’ you stay brokenhearted
“girls girls girls”
This track joins the S-Tier of sapphic anthems. It not only includes a tasteful Spanish guitar-style intro but also interpolates Katy Perry’s iconic “I Kissed A Girl” in the smoothest way. A post-chorus filled with whimsical falsetto plays as she introduces her band members by name to the audience: Girls, I got girls, only girls / Going wild in my mind (In my mind)
This song also represents a pillar of FLETCHER’s artistry and person: uplifting WLW stories on and off stage. She has raised $200K+ for the LGBTQ+ initiative “GLAAD” through her Meet Her At The Bar: Pride Month Experience which supports women-owned queer bars across the United States.
“Crush”
FLETCHER sits for this one, playing the keyboard as she sings in her resonant lower register. “Crush” is heartbreaking, exploring the bittersweetness of emotional entanglement in toxic relationships. Her songwriting aptitude shows as she plays with the title’s multiple meanings in the context of pain addiction, going from asking “Won’t you crush me?” in the chorus to ending the track with “But part of me knows lettin’ you go / Will crush me, crush me.”
FLETCHER is a force. The way she connects with her community is admirable, as can be heard through this monumental live album. Since her debut project in 2019, you ruined new york city for me, she has quickly emerged on notable charts such as the Billboard Hot 100 and Spotify’s Viral Chart. Following her 2022 performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and 2023 duet with Miley Cyrus for NBC’s “New Year’s Eve Party,” people flocked to FLETCHER faster than ever. Her sold-out shows and featured sets at Lollapalooza South America demonstrate her cross-cultural reach and ability to story-tell.
Over two billion global streams, multiple award nominations, a feature in the series The L Word: Generation Q, and the launch of her festival, “FLETCHER & Friends” are just the tip of her long list of artistic achievements to come.
THE ANTIDOTE: FLETCHER LIVE can be enjoyed in various ways; downloaded digitally or purchased as a two-LP vinyl. On FLETCHER’s online store, fans can find an exclusive download version featuring two bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere. This live album, made of “literal blood, stage sweat, and tears,” establishes FLETCHER’s place in the industry and honors all stages of her inner journey from the past 5+ years. Bursting with life, it is an unmissable artwork.
Stream THE ANTIDOTE: FLETCHER LIVE on Spotify and Apple Music.
Follow FLETCHER on social media to keep up with releases and touring news: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Website / YouTube
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