Suki Waterhouse brought the highly anticipated “Memoir of a Sparklemuffin” Tour to The Factory in STL on December 3rd, 2024. Her second album titled “Memoir of a Sparklemuffin” released on September 13th of this year, named after the Australian Peacock Spider, nicknamed The Sparklemuffin. This species are known for their showy mating rituals and self-destructive behavior, which inspire the record’s themes of navigating relationships, identity, and metamorphosis.
Entering the venue, you couldn’t help but immediately be drawn to the mesmerizing set filled with plants, trees, and moss, all illuminated by a glittering spider web and a disco ball suspended overhead. The atmosphere was ethereal, like stepping into another world.
The evening kicked off with Bully, led by powerhouse Alicia Bognanno. Bognanno’s raspy, emotive vocals filled the air, captivating the audience with each song. Bully’s grunge roots were on full display, with songs that brought a powerful yet melodic energy that perfectly primed the crowd for headliner, Suki Waterhouse. Each track was a powerful mix of distorted guitars and Bognanno’s raw, yet controlled voice, making for a performance that felt as cathartic as it did rebellious.
One of the standout songs of Bully’s set came with “All This Noise” , a defiant and loud anthem that tackled both personal and political frustration. “And I’m tired of waiting / For change and debating / I can’t handle all this noise / My body is not your choice” The lyrics were a cathartic release for both her and the crowd. There was an undeniable sense of unity in the room, as the primarily female audience was caught up in the song’s fierce energy and poignant message.
Then, with a shift in mood, Suki Waterhouse took the stage, adding a dramatic flair to the night. Dressed in a glittering ensemble of black sunglasses, sparkly pants, and a blue fur coat, she embodied effortless glam. Her outfit, complete with a top of plastic glow-in-the-dark stars and tinsel, shimmered under the stage lights, setting the tone for a dreamy, surreal performance.
Opening with the sultry track “Gateway Drug”, Suki’s stage presence was magnetic, a combination of sass, sensuality, and playful charm. She was a perfect mix of mystery and confidence, moving effortlessly between songs with a lighthearted, almost whimsical energy.
The standout song of her set for me came just before the encore with “Model, Actress, Whatever” a track that highlights the highs, lows, and the realities of her long career in the industry before rising to musical fame.
Waterhouse signed with a modeling agency at 16, quickly landing work with major fashion brands and walking the runway for top designers. She made her film debut in the 2010 and went on to appear in several successful films and TV projects in the years that followed before releasing her first track “Brutal” in 2016. “All of my dreams came true / The bigger the ocean, the deeper the blue / Call me a model, an actress, whatever / Other half of my baby, we stay together,”
Suki’s playful banter with the audience only added to the fun, making it clear that she was enjoying the night just as much as her fans were. The show was closed with her viral hit “Good Looking” which garnered a huge following on Tiktok in 2022, the crowd screaming the words along.
The evening offered a perfect contrast between Bully’s raw, grunge-driven power and Suki Waterhouse’s dreamy, glamorous world. Both artists proved that they have something special to offer.
With 2024 bringing the rise of “girly-pop”, it’s clear that, after this performance, St. Louis is clearly all in for Suki Waterhouse and are crossing our fingers for another STL date on her next US tour.
