Music

PHOTOS/REVIEW: Robyn at Echo Beach

by Anne T. Donahue

Photos by: Kieran Meyn, AUX TV

Light shows, dance parties, anthems and cat suits: you haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen Robyn.

Bold statement? Absolutely. But if learning anything from the sprawling scene at Toronto’s newly christened Echo Beach, it’s that if you’re there to see the “Indestructable” singer, there’s nothing to be apathetic about.

Moving about with the intensity that’s come to be synonymous with the miniature Swedish pop star, the singer committed to the show and her audience from the first note of “Fembot,” turning every track into a fast-tempo power ballad that served to empower, inspire and above all, make you dance.

And of course, what better way to celebrate the opening of the city’s newest outdoor venue than with the vivaciousness of a woman who’s gone from ’90s chart darling to the reigning queen of dance-pop? Forget the sand, the lines, and what can only be described as the worst bathroom set up in history (if you’re vying for that traditional “music festival” feel, get psyched about the port-a-potties), with every beat of “Don’t Fucking Tell Me What To Do,” you were united under the cityscape’s distant lights, and granted a “big ticket” performance without the hierarchy of assigned seating or watching sadly from a distance.

Because those who’ve seen Robyn will understand that she’s by no means a performer to gaze upon from afar. As renowned for her dance moves as she is for her wardrobe, the singer gave us a tutorial on enthusiasm and energy, slowing down simply to take a bow – but only after a stirring rendition of the unforgettable “Show Me Love” that brought new meaning to the concept of “second encore.”

No egos, no inhibitions, and no agenda, Robyn’s powerful devotion to performance has propelled her to new heights and branded her modern-day rock star. And by performing at a venue still free of stereotypes and bad reputations, you can only hope that with such charisma and earnestness, a pretension-free standard has been set for Toronto’s newest live space.