Webster Hall on Wednesday night was the perfect escape for New Yorker’s looking to shed the weight of current events, as Swedish sensation Zara Larsson’s sugary synth pop set was a perfect dose of both joy and community.

Opening with “Venus” off her most recent release, Larsson took fans through a set of smash after smash. Larsson may not be the first name that comes to mind when one thinks of “pop icon,” but after seeing her live, she should be. Her setlist is a caliber many would dream of, with back to back hits. The crowd is treated to the run of “Look What You’ve Done,” “Girl’s Like,” “Words,” and “Never Forget You” that keeps them up on their feet without pause. 

Yet it’s Larsson’s pure charisma as a performer that truly elevates the show. It’s one thing to have a good catalogue, but an entirely different thing to do it justice live. On stage, Larsson is as cheerful and addictive as her music. She struts from stage end to stage end, to the cheers of her adoring crowd. One fan waves a sign that says she drove to New York from Texas, another raises one asking for Zara to blow her a kiss, to which Larsson cheekily complies.

Larsson is supported by a backing band and a troupe of dancers, all working together to create a picture perfect pop show, further accented by the twinkling disco ball overhead. 

Larsson’s show isn’t just good music, though. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie amongst the crowd. Songs like “Symphony” may be mega-viral, but it’s seeing them cause friends and strangers alike to dance together is what really solidifies Larsson’s impact as an artist.

Article and Photo Gallery by Niamh Murphy