Philadelphia has seen Half Waif (Nandi Rose) play support to some of the coolest artists of recent years, including Alex G, Julien Baker, Mitski, Land of Talk, and Pinegrove (of which she’s also a member), but this Saturday, November 13th, she will be bringing her headlining show Johnny Brenda’s. The synth-pop extraordinaire is currently touring behind Mythopoetics, her fifth album, which dropped this July on ANTI-. The album is both Rose’s most epic narrative and sonically grandiose work yet. The first half of the album sees the singer/songwriter contemplating intimate struggles, such as the impact Alzheimer’s can have on a loved one (“Swimmer”) and the inevitable, eventual loss of all those we hold dear (“Take Away the Ache” and “Fortress”), while the LP’s second half explores bigger picture issues, such as consumerism’s stronghold over the construction of our individual identities (“Party’s Over”). Although Rose has become known for a seemingly morose, emotionally post-punky aesthetic, the conclusion of the tale told across the 12 tracks of Mythopoetics is ultimately sunny, commenting upon an optimism that can only be achieved through the overcoming of a plethora of struggles. Although there are no setlists from Half Waif’s current run (which began November 2nd in LA) available online, based on the set times listed on Johnny Brenda’s website, it seems that her show this Saturday will be around 90 minutes and cover her latest musical excursion, in addition to some of her favorites from her first four full-lengths, so chances are, even fans who haven’t learned the words to Mythopoetics yet will have something to sing along to.
*Get your tickets here.
