Annie DiRusso in Tampa: A 'Back in Town' Tour Live Review

smalltalksmag
Apr 30
4 min read

Photos + review by Jennifer Bodine

Artists don’t come to Florida.

Our reputation precedes us, to be fair: it’s hot, the drive is long, and our state is full of ridiculous and deranged people, for better and for worse. Those of us who know this place understand that this chaos is only a part of the complicated and beautiful story of the state, but the uninitiated can’t be blamed for their caution. So, when an artist does bravely make the trek to and through the swamp, we get excited. I felt that in the crowd earlier this month at Crowbar, when Annie DiRusso brought her Back in Town Tour to Tampa.

DiRusso’s music is new-ish to me, and I was intentional about not learning more before the show. There is nothing like entering a venue with no expectations and leaving having been introduced to your new favorite thing. Super Pedestrian, DiRusso’s debut studio album, became that for me. It’s sharp and funny and adeptly straddles that line of being somehow nostalgic (like, opening montage to an early 00’s teen movie) and entirely fresh simultaneously. I wish I’d had it during my last weirdo situationship, but I’ll make do with having it for the next one (there’s always a next one when you’re a real deal lover girl like me, thanks). I might have never heard it if she hadn’t come to Florida, so thank you to whoever made that call. Thank you to the crowd who showed up and reciprocated the band’s love and energy, too. Annie may be new to me, but I could tell she wasn’t to most of the audience. There was screaming and singing and jumping about, all while clinging to each other, especially during “Legs”, an ode to letting go of control (or trying to, anyway), which I listened to maybe fifty times in a row the day after the show. It’s so good.

The evening was kicked off by local DJs, event organizers, and Small Talks besties (<333) We’re Sweet Girls, who welcomed fans with a mix of woman-forward indie rock and punk. Following their set was Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter Raffaella, whose melodies are undeniable and whose lyrics are punchy and light without sacrificing purpose and intention (see: “If you want me to keep it / Maybe you should carry it” from the lilting, nearly bubblegum pop track “Polly Pocket”, which she wrote in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned). I saw more people singing along than I usually do during an opener, and anyone who didn’t know the words was moving regardless. When you’re as talented and charismatic and comfortable as she is, I think you can curry the favor of any crowd. And she made it look easy!

Keep up with Raffaella here: Website | Instagram

I know it borders on cliche, but I can’t help saying that there is nothing like live music. There’s something about it that beguiles the human spirit in a way nothing else can. I can’t explain it, but I feel like you understand me. That’s what I kept thinking during DiRusso’s set. It happens to me sometimes at shows, that sort of sacred realization that you are in a crowd of people who love art and who are willing, even grateful for the opportunity, to give their time and money to the cause of its proliferation. If you’ll indulge me, and you’d better, I can admit that I was a little emotional at the end, thinking about that concept.

That was my first takeaway from this show. My second was that Annie DiRusso fucking rips. Her set was airtight, she and her band are wildly competent, and it was just fun. I love to have fun! There were moments I found myself grinning stupidly with it. Like, here are these people who are doing what they love for (probably) not a lot of material return. They must have been exhausted, nearing the end of their North American dates, and barely acclimated to the oppressive humidity and UV levels we have to offer in the aptly named Sunshine State. Nonetheless, they were all in. A well-oiled machine that wasn’t afraid to engage with the crowd and take a second to banter about whatever before getting right back to it. Some artists are scared out of their skin, which doesn’t negate their talent, but can sometimes set a crowd on that same edge. DiRusso’s comfort on stage and unaffected charisma only bolstered the already undeniable setlist. At 25, DiRusso is a hit-maker and name-taker and there’s nothing you can do about it. I absolutely cannot wait to see what she does next. Hopefully, Florida treated her well enough to ensure her return on her next tour. Based on my time in that crowd, I have a feeling we did.