‘AFTERCARE’ Concert Review: A Cathartic Night with Nessa Barrett

Nearly two years since she last visited Boston, Janesa Jaida “Nessa” Barrett made a stop back at Roadrunner on Feb. 20 to tour her sophomore album, “AFTERCARE.” Barrett, an American alt-pop singer-songwriter, initially rose to fame through the social media platform TikTok and first released music in 2020. Since then, she has gone on to release two studio albums and two EPs.

Taking the stage, Barrett kicked off her show with “S.L.U.T.,” an electrifying opener as the crowd transformed the lyrics “sex, lies, ugly truth” into a cathartic chant. On stage, Barrett was joined by Jeremy William Smith on keyboard, Daniel Geraghty on the guitar, and Max Nudi on drums. It was a very simple set — all that was truly needed to let Barrett’s talents shine through.

Barrett’s outfit choice included many Y2K-inspired elements like low-rise jeans, a belt with a shimmering “CM” buckle from Cheap Monday, and a silver metallic bralette top. As the final touch, she wore black stilettos, perfectly completing her look for the night. As the face of Cheap Monday, Barrett’s style at her Boston performance encapsulated her music’s unique self-expression with a bold edge.

Throughout her performance, the projections behind her displayed an array of fitting black-and-white images, such as scenes from the film “Edward Scissorhands” during her eponymous song and drifting clouds during “DOES GOD CRY?”

Barrett also had the opportunity to showcase her talents beyond her voice, as during her performance of “DIRTY LITTLE SECRET” she played guitar with an emotional intensity that mirrored the song’s vulnerability.

The most unique aspect of Barrett’s voice was her soothing tone and ability to sing in cursive. This facet really stood out in some of her slower paced songs like “KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME BOY.”

While Barrett’s choreography was on the simpler side, she was still able to keep her audience engaged with lively strides during “DISCO (FT. TOMMY GENESIS)” and her use of the mic cord as a prop while dancing during “gaslight.”

Unfortunately, Barrett had to pause her performance a few times throughout the night due to crowd disruptions. As an avid mental health advocate, Barrett used these moments to check in with her audience, asking, “Are we okay?” These thoughtful gestures in which she broke the fourth wall helped foster an intimate environment at her concert.

For devoted Barrett fans who have been following her tour’s setlist over the past several shows, Barrett sprinkled in some new exciting surprises, including the addition of “BREAKFAST IN BED.”

“You guys are gonna love me for this one. You better,” Barrett said prior to performing the song.

Barrett closed the night with “AFTERCARE,” the opening track from her sophomore album. It was quite a fitting choice, as she left audiences with a parting message to take care of themselves, even after listening to Barrett’s deeply expressive music. Barrett ultimately showed Boston audiences that her music and artistry extend beyond the stage, offering a sense of healing and connection.

—Staff writer Allison S. Park can be reached at allison.park@thecrimson.com. Follow her on X @allisonskypark.