The groovy vibrance of the 70s returned to Boston last week as Marina brought audiences of all ages into her sonically fueled arcade vector game at Roadrunner. Welcoming Boston to her world, the singer appeared in a dazzling hot pink unitard with silver, glittering tassels lining the sleeves—a video game heroine brought to life. 

The venue full of eclectic attire became immersed in the disco energy as stage lights reflected off the sequined outfits and created sparkling reflections on the walls. The Welsh singer appeared phosphorescent even in the dark, her glittering outfit a beacon of light that left the audience mesmerized and transfixed.

From her first appearance, Marina proved she is still the “Primadonna girl.” 

Marina’s Atari-esque world comes as part of her sixth headlining tour for her album “Princess of Power,” released earlier this year.

Each set of songs took the audience to a different “level” through the Princess of Power’s journey, beginning with “Star Fields.” Playing off of thematic elements present on the album, such as on songs “Final Boss” and “Digital Fantasy,” Marina’s act told the story of a video game heroine venturing through various levels to reach ultimate victory. Though there were no costume or stage changes, each level featured a clear sonic throughline consistent in each song, accompanied by the arcade visuals on screen that transitioned with each interlude. “The Heartbreaker” level played into the more punky, pop-rock side of Marina and featured fan favorites such as “Hermit the Frog” and the bubblegum pop staple “How to Be a Heartbreaker.” 

The pixelated screen, fiber optic star curtain, dynamic lighting, and pink ribbon encircling the microphone stand anchored the show’s retro electronic theme. Marina’s band consisted of a guitarist, pianist, and drummer, all of whom were situated in the shadows of the stage as she performed with quiet backup singers and no accompanying dancers. Commanding the stage and never leaving until the final note, Marina relied largely on her own showmanship to keep the show entertaining. Although she was not truly alone on the stage, she starred in what felt at times like a one-woman show. 

Also performing an intimate set was the opener Mallrat, an Australian indie act, who walked onto the smoky stage donning Clairo-esque headphones and a musical style reminiscent of a more mellow Pink Pantheress or Charli XCX. Mallrat was joined onstage only by her friend Sarah McNamara as DJ and several stuffed animals, whom she jokingly said helped write her songs. Mallrat concluded her set with a special shoutout to the venue’s sign language interpreters, who remained on the stage through Marina’s set, saying it was an honor to perform on a stage with them. Roadrunner allows for interpreters to be requested for specific shows. 

About four years ago, many of Marina’s hits resurfaced on TikTok. This new popularity became evident as she performed these viral songs. It’s clear that the 39-year-old singer remains the same “Teen Idle” to many, as her exuberance and infectious quirks shine on stage. 

This is Marina’s first tour after having been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in 2021. She revealed on Instagram that the illness had taken a toll on her body and energy level, and used the last few years to heal. She returned to the scene this summer with “CUNTISSIMO,” a track infused with an inescapably energetic melody.

With “Princess of Power,” Marina strived to create an album that emanated the positive energy she needed at the time she began to write it. On stage, she delivers that same radiant joy, and her recovery is evident by her consistent energy throughout the 90-minute runtime. The vocal gymnastics she performs are especially an indication of her dynamic range. Recognizable for her impressive upper register and unique inflections, Marina nailed the complexities of her musical arrangements live and left the audience in awe during moments of pure vocal bliss. 

During the “Party Paradiso” level of her set, Marina brought five audience members on stage for a costume pageant. They joined the singer during the final chorus of the vogue-pop, upbeat track “CUNTISSIMO.” The fans onstage were dressed in extravagant attire reminiscent of various “Princess of Power” tracks. 

Holding a purple pageant sash, Marina went down the line to determine a winner before landing on Rachel Sobolewski, dressed in a white corset, skirt, and halo, who told the singer, “Marina, I’m Cupid’s Girl and I want to be your girl.” 

The audience cheered loudest for Sobolewski, and Marina crowned her the winner.

Sobolewski, 21, has been a Marina fan since she was 12. She arrived at Roadrunner at 1 p.m., camping out until the doors opened. Sobolewski said that she was picked by scouts as she entered the venue. She recalled being nervous at first to go on stage with Marina and not expecting to win. 

“I didn’t even think I was going to get top five, so I was like ‘there’s no way I’m going to win number one,’ but my sister and friends cheered really loudly for me,” Sobolewski said.

Traveling from Burlington, Massachusetts for the concert, she described the experience as a “dream come true.” 

The energy never dipped throughout the night, evident by the consistent screams of teenage girls threatening to deafen audience members. Marina ensured the night ended on a high note as she performed some of her most perfectly poppy tunes in the “Keys to the Castle” final level. Recognizable from the first note, the song “Primadonna” in the final segment was a highlight of the night as one of Marina’s most beloved tracks. 

Thanking the band and Boston for a “dream evening,” she performed the final song, “I <3 YOU” from her new album. 

As the audience joined her for one last chorus, she sang, “I love you and I know you love me too.” 

If her performance Sunday night was any indication, it is clear she is correct.