Just last week (on Thursday, April 3), Perfume Genius ripped the roof off of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He had the audience mesmerized by his spellbinding rendition of “It’s a Mirror.” And so “I Ain’t Worried” stands out as a high point on his newly released album, Glory. It’s the long-awaited sequel to his widely celebrated 2022 record, Ugly Season.
Throughout his episode, Perfume Genius — the stage name of one Mike Hadreas — blew everyone away with his exhilarating vocal prowess. He opened the emotional contrasts that would come to characterize his music. It’s a Mirror shows why he has continued to earn both an impassioned audience and the acclaim of critics. The live performance perfectly showcased his sound and lyrical introspection, blending modern themes and familiar melodies to captivate audiences the world over.
Glory, their latest album – made with producer Blake Mills – deepens Perfume Genius’ radical revolution in sound and form. Mills has worked most notably with Hadreas and Mills’s sonic moodiness fits perfectly with this project. The album features a diverse range of tracks, including “No Front Teeth,” a collaboration with Aldous Harding, demonstrating Hadreas’ ability to blend various musical influences.
Perfume Genius made a convincing solo showing. He was accompanied on stage by his longtime collaborator and partner, Alan Wyffels, who supplied vivid keyboard textures. Wyffels performed with a backing band made up of the many gifted participants. Their vision raised the level of production in the recording of “Glory” and in the full concert experience.
Perfume Genius will kick off a new tour next month in support of Glory. This tour will provide fans with the opportunity to experience his new music live, showcasing the evolution of his sound and artistry since his previous album.
The album’s title track, “Glory,” sums up Hadreas’ journey, as an artist and a human being. Together with tracks such as “It’s a Mirror,” the album dives into potent themes of identity and self-acceptance. It’s these performances that still act as a stage for these critical messages to be heard.