At TD Garden, a heart-pounding performance from Tyler, The Creator
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Themes of doubt, disquiet, and artistic dedication tumbled into one teeth-chattering rumble during the first of Okonma's two consecutive shows at TD Garden. The spectacle commenced to the march of 'St. Chroma,' which found Okonma decked in his dapper twist on military regalia, stomping on a main stage outfitted with storage container walls (not unlike the setup for last fall's local show, where he performed atop actual storage containers).
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With Okonma's eighth and newest LP serving as the anchor of his current world tour, it's to be expected that the 'CHROMAKOPIA'-heavy first segment of the show was also the strongest. The first third of the set flexed Okonma's range as a performer, at times mechanically swiveling to the hip-hop jangle of a song like 'Rah Tah Tah,' or sitting down, storytime-style, to rehash an ill-fated relationship on 'Judge Judy.'
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A catwalk that was lowered from the rafters served as the artist's own green-steel road to and from 'CHROMAKOPIA,' offering him a path to a B stage and a place to cast off his mask (to 'Take Your Mask Off,' naturally). On the secondary stage, he transitioned into older material that stretched back as far as his 2011 album 'Goblin,' sampling songs from his LPs 'IGOR' and 'CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST,' among others.
Emphasis on 'sampling.' Okonma shortened many songs during his run-through of past records, even fan favorites like the irreverent 'Tamale' and neo-soul standout 'ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?' that the crowd was audibly ecstatic to hear.
But the artist seemed to save his most urgent performances for the main stage, and he recrossed the catwalk to transform the last of his stamina into a few more show highlights: an a cappella rendition of 'Thought I Was Dead' and one final eruption via 'NEW MAGIC WAND.' His choice to stick the turbulent landing? 'I Hope You Find Your Way Home,' a softer (but no less vulnerable) finale that also closes 'CHROMAKOPIA.'
Amidst the chaos, it felt just right to end the show with a blessing rather than a bang.
TYLER, THE CREATOR
With Lil Yachty and Paris Texas. At TD Garden, Tuesday.
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