YouTube Theater Inglewood, CA
Web: lxixsxa.com
Players: LiSA, vocals; Yuko Yanagino, bass; Pablo, guitar; Akito Shirai, keyboard; Yuya Ishii, drums
J-pop singer-songwriter LiSA was all smiles as she celebrated her birthday with a sold-out show at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. She also had another good reason to celebrate as The Another Great Day tour marked her first time headlining a solo tour in North America. The last time she performed in Los Angeles was in 2012 for the Anime Expo. Risa Oribe, better known under the stage name, LiSA (which stands for Love is Same All), is one of Japan's most popular singers—especially within the anime world. She’s been attached to huge anime series like Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and most recently the opening theme song to the second season of Solo Leveling. Thanks to these opportunities LiSA has cultivated a dedicated fan base that knows her songs by heart.
A video intro featuring a wandering cat kicked the night off, as LiSA emerged on stage along with her band to her 2012 hit from Fate/Zero "oath sign." She wasted no time in getting everyone's energy pumping, as she jumped along the stage doing hand tosses and kicks. LiSA knows the timing and beats of her song very well, she knows which parts are going to garner the biggest reactions from her fans. At times she felt like a conductor, as she guided fans to move along the rhythms of the music.
The setlist was separated into two sections, the beginning was filled with her older catalog while the last part contained more of her current hits. LiSA’s music is filled with rock anthems and emotional ballads that easily get stuck in your head. Her vocal skills are strong and dynamic. Her high notes were especially impressive as she’s able to belt out and carry the tune through the entire theater. She was effortlessly able to showcase her rapid rap skills in songs like "GL" and "Red Zone," while she summoned her inner punk rock persona in "Make A Miracle." LiSA didn't waste any time onstage, as she did all her quick costume changes onstage. The most memorable costume change was when she emerged in a kimono-style outfit with a wooden umbrella and performed “Akeboshi.” The song has a beautiful yet haunting build that sends chills down my spine, thanks to its interesting string arrangement. Keeping the momentum, LiSA followed up with the moving ballads "unlasting" and “Homura,” from Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. The night ended on a high note as she saved all her high-adrenaline songs for the end. She had everyone chanting "red or green" during the bombastic performance of the rock track "Queen."
