On May 23rd, Isabel LaRosa brought her Psychopomp tour to a sold-out conclusion at The Belasco in Los Angeles. The evening began with a set from the headliner’s brother, Thomas LaRosa, who showcased his range as both musician and performer as he wowed the audience with his own music. Also joining the tour was Chris Grey, whose opening performance blended R&B with moody rock.

As the venue lights dimmed and Thomas LaRosa returned to the stage, the crowd’s screams filled the air with anticipation and excitement. Backed by her brother and drummer Rhys Hastings, Isabel LaRosa was ready to launch a night of high energy and emotional immersion. Opening with her steam 2023 single “older,” she immediately had the audience under her spell.

The setlist focused heavily on material from her newly released album, Raven, which dropped just last month on April 18th, but also included fan favorites from earlier work. Her vocals were fine-tuned and often accompanied by smooth, sensual choreography. She first appeared in a black mini dress with pink detailing and a Peter Pan collar; a sweet, almost innocent look that created striking contrast with her moody, and sometimes provocative lyrics.

Though there was a constant theme of high energy throughout the night, LaRosa didn’t shy away from a vulnerable moment. Just under midway through the set, she and her brother pulled up stools to the front of the stage for an acoustic performance of “burning.” She introduced the song as being one inspired by a more recent relationship and heartbreak. From the balcony, I could see fans below holding up pink paper hearts in what appeared to be a coordinated fan project. It was one of my favorite moments of the night and it showcased perfectly how deeply LaRosa is beloved.

Following “burning,” LaRosa left the stage for a brief moment. When she returned she had ditched her black dress for a sparkling triangle bralette and ruffled black bloomers, her outfit catching the light from every angle. This visual shift came with a tone shift as she launched into a cover of Ari Abdul’s “Babydoll.” The crowd’s excitement exploded when Abdul herself joined LaRosa on stage. The two friends sang, danced, and jumped around in a clear display of love for their work.

As the night neared its end with a blend of old hits, new tracks, and two more covers - Chase Atlantic’s “Friends” and The Weeknd’s “House of Balloons” - it was clear how much LaRosa has grown as an artist. Since I had last seen her, last year at the El Rey, her confidence, comfort, and identity as an artist has only deepened. 

Though the Psychopomp tour has come to an end, Isabel LaRosa’s momentum is always building. If you haven’t yet, find your way to her new album Raven and step into her new chapter.