- It's becoming increasingly clear that circumstance put Robyn in the independent circuit, not image. The Swedish singer's upwards struggle through pop's byzantine networks have gone on for more than a decade now, and at 31 she's the closest she's ever been to achieving stardom on her own terms—but still not quite where she wants to be. However, the three stories of the Moody Theater were stuffed with enthused Texans on a Thursday night, which has to be at least a little reassuring.
Robyn's performance reciprocated in its glitzy, happily-indulged stadium spectacle. Emerging with costumes, light cues, dance breaks, and two multi-song encores. And also, like most budgeted tours, the set sounded incredibly crafted—road-tested for ages with minimal innovation or difference for months. Every moment, down to Robyn gracefully ruffling her hair before muttering "I'm all messed up, I'm so out of line" sounded specifically and deliberately planned. But it all worked wonderfully: There wasn't the slightest sense of jadedness in the room. She was professional but enthused, and radiated appreciation.
Robyn kept that giddiness internal for the most part—approaching her bangers like the show-woman she is—but there was one moment, towards the end of the show, where it all came unhinged. She looked up at the balconies of people who came to see her, united in a standing ovation, and for a brief moment she seemed staggered at the love, a look of bewildered wonder took her eyes. A smile spread across her face. All she could really manage was a few stunned "thank you"'s. But then she regained her composure and led her fans into "With Every Heartbeat." The show, after all, must go on.