Jazmin Bean Brings Teen Angst to House of Blues

The gentle allure of fading blue lights enveloped a keen crowd as they awaited Jazmin Bean’s arrival. The crowd was bubbled with chaotic, childlike joy as they made their way into the House of Blues Sept. 27.

Performing from their latest album “Traumatic Livelihood,” Jazmin Bean showcased their alternative style. R&B artist Piwa opened the night’s set with “Be Right Back,” a soul-infused song with laid-back old school beats and hints of an Afrocentric style. 

Piwa wrapped up her performance with a cover of Nirvana’s “Smells like Teen Spirit.” Shouting, screaming, laughter and cries filled the room as she took charge of the stage. Her final act was invigorating, moving in tandem with the song’s teen angst.

The monstrous hum of bass guitar coupled with an eruption of cheers from the crowd, preceded Bean’s entrance, who was dressed in a pastoral baby blue lace dress. Guitarist Ben Simon and drummer Connor Burnside matched their aesthetic with pink and white babydoll dresses, to fit the pastel goth theme.

Themes of rebellion and freedom were introduced with the opening track’s enthusiastic declaration for the damned youth. 

“You can’t stop me, and I’ll get anything I want,” Bean sang. 

“Traumatic Livelihood” touches on Bean’s own traumatic upbringing. Their performance, elegant head thrashing and saintly kneeling on the stage floor, matched the defiant energy of the song.

Next came the metal grunge song “Piggie.” Fueled with angst and a massive middle finger to her groomer, “Piggie” showcased Bean’s musical versatility. Touching on themes of innocence, consent and toxic relationships, the song emanated a defiant spirit for the crowd to participate in. 

“Favourite Toy” bounced with jarring lyrics and an upbeat, orchestral feel.

 “Throw me in the backseat / Use me how you need / So long as I’m your favorite toy,” Bean sang. 

The glaring red stage lights matched the song’s subtle resentment. The crowd, largely comprised of young teenagers, all fervently sang along while madly cheering for fan favorites “Yandere” and “Hello Kitty.”

Fans shared an artistic reverence for Bean’s style by donning Lolita outfits. Some even mirrored Bean’s signature extreme makeup look with bright pink eyeshadow, pale white foundation and thick heavy black eyeliner. 

Bean wrapped up the evening with a heartfelt speech to the crowd and ended with “Black Dress,” “Is This It” and “Stockholm Butterfly.” The final songs drowned in the singing and chanting of the crowd, with some fans offering art pieces they made for Bean. 

As the stage closed and Bean gave thanks, babydoll punk fans flooded back into the lively Chicago streets bubbling with joy. The hustle and bustle of the Chicago night-life matched the zealous post-concert excitement.