Sombr showcases youthful exuberance at San Francisco show
Editor’s Note: This article is a review and includes subjective thoughts, opinions and critiques.
A packed house at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco last Monday established the young, wild and free energy that not only lives within the young stars’ fans but is what Sombr proved he embodies — a reminder to take risks despite judgment.
In 2021, Sombr started to release music on social media. His fourth single, “caroline” went viral and led him to sign with Warner Records in 2023. In March 2025, Sombr gained global attention after two of his new singles blew up on TikTok, rapidly catapulting him into fame.
On Monday, fans ranging from just-turned teens to young couples in their mid-20s waited to hear the newest hits from the breakout star on his debut tour, “Late Nights & Young Romance.”
Before Sombr ran through the curtain of fog in a black suit, silver sequin top and shiny shoes to match, a crew member snapped a clapboard, signifying that the following performance was not only a musical showcase but a curated “act” of what Sombr would be. As eager fans tittered with anticipation, a witty host took over the speakers as uptempo game show music introduced the band members of the 1970s disco-themed set.
Eventually the host introduced “the one and only Sombr,” and the reaction was immediate — phones rushed out of pockets to film Sombr’s signature awkward, quirky dance moves and pop-rock vocals. Starting with the third track from his album, “i wish i knew how to quit you,” he warmed up the room to his discography. Although the audience didn’t know every lyric, his quirky crowd work kept the still-enthusiastic fans engaged.
What came after was an entertaining mix of spontaneity and honest authenticity, a reflection of the bliss and many challenges of youth. “back to friends,” “12 to 12” and “undressed” received roaring applause, and a chorus of fans screamed along as every word struck home. And as the last lines of his smash hit “12 to 12” approached, Sombr matched their energy beat for beat, screaming “the party’s not over till I say it is” and unexpectedly incorporating an extra chorus.
Despite being a relatively new star, his transition from the studio to the stage was shockingly graceful. The evening featured live vocals quite similar to the recorded versions, while extra, spur of the moment falsetto choices showed off his vocal ability. A slight rasp in his singing during the more emotional beats of the evening only added to his heartbreak tunes.
Throughout the set, Sombr had rehearsed segments that mimicked a late-night show. “Well it’s not easy being Sombr. I wake up at about six or seven in the morning,” Sombr quipped, catapulting the audience into laughter. The six-seven joke that flew over the heads of older parents was the kind of relatability that set the tone for the night. A place for young people to be unapologetically cringe.
A few times throughout the evening, Sombr’s inexperience touring showed. Instead of calmly asking staff to help fainted fans in the pit, he threw F-bombs around like glitter, the moment briefly unsettling the crowd.
But in other moments, his inexperience was deeply relatable. “This next song I wrote when I was 16 years old,” he said. “I posted it on the internet one day expecting my friends to make fun of me, but the next day it was viral on the internet.” It was refreshing to hear that a singer performing for thousands had fears of being judged by peers and the internet not that long ago.
As his vulnerability grew deeper and deeper throughout the night, Sombr let the mask slip during one of his talks with the host. “Do you think you’re the problem?” the host asked in regards to Sombr’s lack of a romantic relationship. “No, no I’m never the problem,” Sombr responded defensively as smoke emerged with eerie orchestral music. Sombr, as though a flip were switched, proceeded to absolutely crash out, for lack of a better term — trying on a coat and wig, looking into the film camera for answers and throwing a chair, until he landed on a couch exposing his shiny outfit and true character. Although just a skit for his fans, the message in his act was a crucial one: He ultimately chose to not hide his bold nature to fit the labels or expectations of anyone.
As disco lights shone during “12 to 12,” the night ended on a theatrical climax that felt liberating. Sombr is not only a new artist known for Gen-Z jokes and his bouncy stage presence, but rather a reminder of the success that comes from following your joys and passions.
Leaving the auditorium, I reflected on my many uncomfortable moments as a teen and was able to ultimately laugh at them. Each one has contributed to my successes big and small.
With Sombr, you’re immersed in a crowd where judgment disappears. No one cared if you jumped before the beat dropped, screamed six-seven into the audience or took a selfie with the flash. Sombr created a musical environment where, for a few hours, teenagers could be free from pressures inside and out.
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