I saw Perfume Genius in Cleveland on June 15 at the Globe Iron, and it was one of the most intense live shows I’ve seen in a long time.

He opened with “In a Row” and from the first few seconds it felt like we were being pulled into something. The lighting was stark and cold and he moved like he was caught between control and collapse. There was no buildup. It started and we were just in it.

Most of the set focused on the new album Glory which is darker and less approachable than his earlier records. Live, though, it really works. The sound was huge and the atmosphere kept shifting. Some songs felt like pure noise and tension. Others were stripped back and fragile. That unpredictability made the whole thing feel alive.

Two songs stood out for me. “On the Floor” changed the energy completely. It was looser and more open and the crowd responded to that. It gave just enough breathing room without losing any of the emotion. Then, “Wreath” came later and it felt like everything locked in. That one hit hardest. It was physical and overwhelming in the best way.

He played a short cover partway through and then came back for an encore with a full one before closing with “Queen.” No small talk. No encore theater. Just walked off and that was it. It felt final in a good way.

I’ve waited 10 yearsto see Perfume Genius and I was not disappointed. This show felt different from many I have seen. Less clean. More urgent. It didn’t feel like a performance. It felt like something he had to get out, and I love that for him.