Live Review: Keiynan Lonsdale

Los Globos Theatre  Los Angeles, CA

Contact: Jillian Condran, [email protected]

Web: boyrainbow.com

Players: Keiynan Lonsdale, vocals; Patch Mahoney, drums; Poliana Magalhães, bass; Summer Swee-Singh, keys; Brandon Dove, guitar

Material: In his first U.S. performance, Keiynan Londsale delivered an exhilarating hour of nonstop energetic artistry, complete with fantastic showmanship and full dance choreography. His music encompasses elements of pop, dance, R&B and beachy reggaeton, and Lonsdale’s set included songs from his 2020 debut, Rainbow Boy, his latest single, “Gods of the Disco” as well as a cover of Craig David’s “Rendezvous.” From the dramatic cymbal flourish intro on to each seamlessly transitioned song, Lonsdale and his crew unveiled an intense production with strong vocals.

Musicianship: The cohesive backing band, synthesizers and unique sound effects added to the drama and magnitude of the evening, with each band member integrating seamlessly into the overall sound with solid musicality, supporting Lonsdale’s delicious falsetto accents and vocal runs. “White Noise” unleashed big theatrics and “Chocolate” delivered a heavy synth opening that transitioned into a slow grind with fabulous falsetto. Lonsdale’s low-end vocals were showcased in Craig David’s “Rendezvous,” and “All My Life” was an ethereal dance jam along the lines of the Pet Shop Boys, with full-on dance choreography and a Kings of Leon-esque drum fill sequence.

Performance: Palpable anticipation brought out a full house of pulsing, swaying, eclectic fans who added a joyful, free-feeling ambience while a full-sized screen streamed videos and graphics, adding to the experience. Dancers Skvtch and Jordan Harris amped up the artistry and engaged the audience even more, with dancing on “Gay Street Fighter,” “White Noise,” and especially “All My Life”—with a full dance interlude between Lonsdale, Skvtch and Harris. Dancing continued in “Rhythm & Music” and “On My Wave,” while “Magic Mickey” was a soulful ballad highlighting Lonsdale’s charisma and natural crowd interplay. The show’s closer, “Gods of the Disco,” had the house dancing along. 

Summary: With a robust sound and eye-catching visuals behind him, Lonsdale proved himself as a bona fide popstar, complete with wardrobe changes between songs, great audience interaction, and confident stage movement. Connecting with his dancers, and  maintaining eye contact with crowd members, he has a captivating presence on stage and is a great performer. •