On September 19, Cari Fletcher, stylized as FLETCHER, wowed fans with her epic set at Boston’s Roadrunner.
Earlier this year, FLETCHER released her second studio album, In Search of the Antidote, a collection of relatable and catchy tracks. The project clearly resonated with fans, reaching number 3 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart. Her knack for meshing vulnerable songwriting and dynamic vocals with elements of rock has established her as a pop powerhouse. This September, FLETCHER, embarked on her In Search of The Antidote Tour, making her return to Massachusetts after performing at Boston Calling in 2023.
On a lively Thursday evening, guests lined up around the building, extending many blocks. Fans sported casual chic outfits, wearing button-up blouses, v-neck short sleeves, snapback hats, and lots of jewelry. When doors finally opened, everyone spilled inside and directly to the merchandise tables lined with signed vinyl and various clothing items. Designs included tongue-in-cheek phrases like “I can fix her,” “f*ck it, I’m her idol,” and “FLETCHER’s Property” on shirts. Fans began to buzz with excitement, many sharing what they had written on their posters, hoping FLETCHER would read them later in the night.
Rising star Maude Latour took the stage first. She strutted out in a white tank top, fishnet black long sleeve, and sheer white lace skirt with contrasting patches sewn on like a black and white clown and a large pink bow. This past August, Latour released her hypnotic debut album, Sugar Water, a collection of addictive songs with memorable hooks and powerful vocals. She opened with the standout track, “Cursed Romantics,” infusing energy into the venue by passionately delivering the introspective lyrics. Her confidence radiated throughout the performance as she jumped around the stage. Her performance of “Cosmic Superstar Girl” compelled the audience to wave their phone flashlights to the beat. Latour performed her fluttery and electric pop music to an attentive audience who was left wanting more. She thanked FLETCHER for inviting her and headed to the back of the pit to meet fans.
When the lights dimmed again, the audience released deafening roars. The white curtain on stage dramatically dropped to the floor and there stood FLETCHER in a Mugler-esque black bodysuit, a matching brown leather pants and jacket set, platform boots, and a snakeskin pattern belt. She dove into the In Search Of The Antidote opening track “Maybe I Am” starting with the opening line “Here I fucking go again,” which was noticeably cathartic for FLETCHER to sing and for her fans to repeat back to her. Her strong vocals complimented the upbeat and driving drumline.
She made a point to interact with the audience, with fans selecting for her to perform “Feel” by using a cheer meter about midway through the setlist. The intention behind her visuals greatly contributed to the experience, with FLETCHER grabbing a handheld camera to highlight each of her bandmember’s solos during the song “Bitter.” She performed with bassist Sophie Potrykus, Boston native guitarist Daniel Geraghty, guitarist Lexii Lynn, and drummer Cameron Lockwood. Their sharp instrumentation propelled the set forward, with each person on stage noticeably bouncing energy off one another.
The connection between FLETCHER and the crowd was tangible throughout the night, with fans holding up posters for her to read before “Undrunk.” The cheeky phrases matched FLETCHER’s brand of confidence and unapologetically owning her sexuality. Some posters made references to inside jokes in the fandom, like “I’ll be your human mic stand” and “sign my tits,” to which FLETCHER responded, “I’ve signed so many boobs in my life. I wish I could sign all your boobs!” Another read, “Skipping work for FLETCHER, HR approved,” which FLETCHER playfully noted, “I don’t know if there’s anything about this show that is HR approved.” Before diving into the song, she saw a sign about a fan who just had ankle surgery and came off the stage to sign their boot—“remove the b and add a t to boob and you get boot, I’m signing a boot!” she joked. While singing “Undrunk,” FLETCHER was persistent in breaking down the barriers between artist and fan, walking down to the barricade and running across to give high fives to everyone.
She returned for a two-song encore, once again aiming to create an unforgettable and intimate night for all her fans by venturing into the audience. She climbed up to the stage right mezzanine and sang “Doing Better” surrounded by excited guests.
She closed her set with a standout track from her debut album titled “Becky’s So Hot.” The energy in the room never dwindled, with fans emphatically singing along like it was the first song of the night.
If you haven’t already, make sure to catch this dynamic duo on the road before the In Search Of The Antidote Tour concludes in October. Buy tickets here.
