CHICAGO – On Thursday, Feb. 5, singer, songwriter, and violinist Sudan Archives performed a captivating and electric set at Thalia Hall. Touring her latest album, “The BPM,” across North America, she brought her bold, hybrid, and enthralling persona and art to a crowd of engaged, enthused fans.
When I walked in about thirty minutes after doors opened, I was in awe of the venue, as it was my first time visiting the Chicago staple, but the intimate, ornate space reflected what I knew about the creativity of Sudan’s artistry. The growing crowd swayed and cheered throughout a powerful opening performance from singer Cain Culto and a lively DJ set from artist Dreamer Isioma.
At around 9:50pm, the crowd hushed when Sudan sauntered onto the stage, glowing in bright blue light, crossing to the front left corner to “log on” onto her computer, and fiddling with her elaborate set up.
Sudan stepped up to the platform at center stage, standing as a strong silhouette showcased in deep red lighting. As she brought her violin under her chin at the start of “DEAD,” the opening track from “THE BPM,” the crowd came to life, throwing their hands, screams, and voices up into the tall ceilings of the concert hall. Sudan finally brought her features into view in a mix of red, blue and purple lighting, donning a cool-toned, muscle anatomy bodysuit and white contact lenses.
Sudan brought her mix of house music, pop, techno, and R&B as she commandeered the stage alone. Her presence filled up the entire space, and she effortlessly navigated different equipment and instruments at different corners of the stage, dancing and engaging with the crowd and towering over when she stood on her platform. The infectious energy from her and the crowd pulsed fervently throughout the set as she performed songs mostly from her most recent project, with songs from her second album, “Natural Brown Prom Queen,” interspersed. Sudan especially belted the chorus of “Ciara,” singing “I’ve got a cousin in Chicago” and shouting out her family.
When she performed “Freakalizer,” she surveyed the crowd and asked “where are my freaks at?” and the crowd lost their minds; everyone thrust themselves into the music. OneThe lucky fan got to come onstage and dance on the platform during “MY TYPE” and “A BUG’S LIFE” while Sudan and the crowd hyped them up, screaming along “that’s my type!”
I was inspired and overjoyed when I stepped out into the cold night following my first Sudan Archives show. As a years-long casual fan, I am excited to see how Sudan continues to evolve and what and who she brings with her.
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