Emerging from Los Angeles, Ellise has steadily built a name for herself in the alt-pop world. Take pop and dip the sound of it into something darker. More sensual and there you’ll find Ellise’s sound. It’s entrancing, and will leave you completely spellbound. It’s also hard to ignore the artist’s powerhouse vocals. Ellise has cultivated a gothic fairytale aesthetic. A modern pop rebellion. It’s easy to say that she isn’t conforming to traditional pop formulas. That’s what makes her songs so entirely delicious. Each of her songs are perfectly crafted to fit moody storytelling. This immersive world you are gifted with just by listening completely translates to the stage, and we were lucky enough to witness. 

On February 10, Ellise brought that world to life at The Rebel Lounge for her Pretty Evil Tour. Bathed in deep blue lighting Ellise appeared in the drifting haze. Almost statuesque, and entirely striking to all anticipation. The artist knelt center stage, microphone in hand. Silhouetted against sharp beams of cool light. Dressed in a black, fringe-detailed performance look that shimmered subtly as she moved with long dark waves that cascaded down her back. There’s such an effortless captivation to Ellise’s air. She embodied the dark glamour that vibrates within her music. The lighting design cut electric blues through shadows making the beginning of her set sensual with a nocturnal tone. We were hooked.

“Kerosene” was the perfect opening to the night. My personal favorite, “Bite,” was a treat that everyone in the crowd loudly enjoyed. Ellise’s vocal control was absolutely breathtaking. Her voice can hover delicately over a verse before becoming forceful. Our breath wasn’t given back to us yet. Ellise held it further while performing a cover of Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman.”  The setlist wove through darker tracks like “KILL4ME,” and “Killer.”  There was also space carved for vulnerability in songs such as “HALF A HEART” and “Dead2me.” She teased new music throughout the night. Hinting at continued artistic evolution. She still delivered fan staples including “PRETTY,”  "Liplock,” and “Sexxxtapes.” The show closed with “911,” ending on a beautifully dramatic note.

Fans pressed against the front barricade, belting every lyric back to her. The fan response was an underscore to loyalty. Adding to the intimacy, her mother stood proudly on the side stage. It was a powerful image to see her proud mother recording special moments of her performance.  The bandmates were instrumental in shaping the night’s energy. Guitar-driven sections became interactive moments. With band members leaning into the crowd, and stretching solos just long enough to ignite cheers. 

For those who first encountered Ellise as an opener last year during her run supporting Bishop Briggs, know her growth is evident. This headlining tour has been earned boldly. It was such a privilege to be able to witness both. Even more of a gift that this was Ellise’s first headline show in Phoenix. A night to certainly never forget!