Storm Kathleen may have remained under control on this early April evening in Cardiff, but Storm Caity sure didn’t. The lights dim, an eagerly anticipated silhouette appears behind a giant, L-plate and after hitting some killer poses, pop’s rising star Caity Baser – here on her Still Learning tour – kicks things off by literally smashing her way through the paper sign with a bat.
Accentuated by the incredibly charismatic Thacker Brothers, Ollie and Louis, on drums and guitar, we launch into I’m A Problem and immediately, Cardiff’s contingent of ‘Baesers’ (if you will) spring into action and match the headliner’s sky-high energy. A clear sense of belonging is present on Baser’s face as it lights up on stage, although there are glimpses of a humble disbelief at the amount of adoration radiating from the crowd.
Baser is on a clear path to stardom, and she is crafting that path with such authenticity, dedication and charm. In a recent chat, Caity told me that she aims to remain present, send it every single day, be hard working and simply be a nice, positive girl; I think it’s fair to say it’s paying off.
The venue allows for an impressive set, including bundles of massive red balloons and three cube structures adorned with bright tube lights, whilst keeping the charm of an intimate gig. As a wise lady (Hannah Montana) once said, you get the best of both worlds. Moreover, one of my favourite aspects of live shows is when artists weave story-rich interludes through the set to elevate the experience, as Baser does here: tying each song together with playful, well thought-out transitions or stories.
In the age of living through devices, it’s a win to feel such a sense of souls connecting in the moment. Everywhere you look, friends are creating core memories with each other – smiling, laughing, even a number of happy tears. Revealing that every face in the room can be seen, Baser thanks the audience for creating a safe space for her to be herself and hopes that everyone else feels comfortable too, seamlessly linking her heartwarming final words into set closer I’ll Be Here For You.
Caity Baser, Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Sat 6 Apr
words and photos JOSEPH ELIJAH
