Phoebe Bridgers First Solo Show in 3 Years Debuts New Songs

Phoebe Bridgers returned to the solo stage Friday night with her first performance in three years, playing an intimate 13-song set at The Liberty, a 400-capacity venue in Roswell, New Mexico.

The show, held on May 8, enforced a strict no-recording policy, requiring attendees to store cellphones, smartwatches, smart glasses and other devices in Yondr pouches. Those who complied received collectible cards featuring puzzle-like artwork that combines to form the cover for Bridgers' anticipated next release, either a single or full album. Merchandise on sale also incorporated similar designs, including neon-colored alien imagery that matched stage decorations and a large mural banner.

Bridgers described the evening as a test run for her third solo album, the follow-up to her 2020 release Punisher. The setlist blended fan favorites such as Motion Sickness, Garden Song, Kyoto, Moon Song, Funeral, Chinese Satellite, Scott Street, Graceland Too and I Know The End with three to four new songs. Attendees characterized the fresh material as "very sad folk," highlighted by harmonica arrangements from band member Christian Lee Hutson. One track carried the tentative title This is Gonna Kill...