Caity Baser
02 Institute 2 - 4/10/23
Birmingham, UK
Claire H. Insomnia Photographer
Live Review
Embarking on her first UK tour, bubblegum pop sensation Caity Baser made a stop at intimate Birmingham venue in celebration of her ‘Thanks For Nothing See You Never’ release. With majority of the tour being sold out, fans were queuing round the block - all eager to secure a spot at the front barrier.
Making a name for herself via Tik-Tok, Baser enlisted fellow Tik-Tokker and friend Michael Aldag to accompany her on the headline run. With a short but sweet twenty five minute support slot, Aldagbought buckets of energy - some may say too much for a Monday! High kicks and jumps down to the front barrier, much to the delight of the predominantly young female crowd, filled the set in between the catchy tracks from his 2022 EP ‘Socalizing’. Recent release ‘Girlfriends’ was a real crowd pleaser with a catchy chorus that was certainly embedded into everyone’s minds by the end of the set. Aldag’saccompanying live band matched his onstage energy and delivered an engaging set that was crammed with electronic riffs and all round good vibes. Despite being a young artist who won the crowd over with his charismatic charm, Aldag touched upon some deep topics within his lyrics including mental illness and the ongoing pressures of growing up in modern society. Keen to highlight such issues, Aldag does so tastefully and is met with roars of applause. In years to come, Michael Aldag will certainly be a name you’ll see plastered across festival line ups around the world. We’re just glad to have witnessed his talent early on!
Accumulating a hardcore Gen Z fuelled following, the room was packed with anticipation and copious amounts of face glitter for headline act, Caity Baser. An eerie instrumental intro kicked off the show, with recordings of Baser discussing previous failed relationships echoing the walls of the sold out room. Opening the show was punchy 2022 single ‘Friendly Sex’, followed by ‘Feel More Okay’. An artist who resonates with her adoring fan base, Baser writes songs that young people can relate to which is refreshing to witness right before your eyes. Rather than giving a perfectly scripted or choreographed performance, Baser unleashes her quirky personality - leaving nothing off limits for her set. From frequent banter with the crowd, to pulling silly faces - Baser is a breath of fresh air. Her personality is staggeringly bold and is reciprocated by the crowd who match Baser’s ability to lose all inhibitions. Tracks ‘2020s’ and the one that skyrocketed Baser’s career, ‘Average Student’ were amongst the crowd favourites of the evening. Baser beams throughout the show from start to finish as a sea of phones can be spotted at all times, documenting the pop sensation. Viral hit ‘Pretty Boys’ concludes the show in style. For her first headline tour, Caity Baser ticked all the boxes and delivered a remarkable performance to all in attendance. Her like-ability factor and upbeat positive attitude has done wonders for her career thus far, and with multiple festival appearances already pinned for this year - Baser is headed for great things.
Setlist:
Friendly Sex
Feel More Okay
That’s What Friends Are For
2020s
Average Student
Virtually
Haters
Leave Me Alone
STD
X&Y
Say It Like That
Kiss You
Pretty Boys
