Laufey did something incredible Saturday night show at Toyota Center. She made Houston be quiet and pay attention.
For years, loud and obnoxious Houston crowds have been a source of irritation – and not just for me. There have been rants by other music writers and even a Reddit thread devoted to the issue. I’ve seen and heard it happen at countless shows, from Brandi Carlile and Beyoncé to Metallica and Ricky Martin.
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But somewhere between Acts II and III of Laufey’s two-hour set, I realized that everyone was leaning in and really listening. There were no gossip sessions or weekend plans being discussed. It was affirming and honestly beautiful. Good job, Houston.
Laufey herself championed the “kind” nature of her fans while marveling at the size of the crowd. Toyota Center was full from top to bottom. Just last year, she played a sold-out show at 713 Music Hall that became a bit of a debacle when more than 300 fans were turned away because of fake tickets.
Though Laufey’s sound is steeped in the traditional pop and jazz of the ’40s and ’50s, her songs and aesthetic inspire Taylor Swift levels of enthusiasm and emotion. Merch lines wrapped around the inside of the venue, with fans snapping up posters, vinyl and hoodies. The dress code included delicate bows, lace and flowers. Several fans wore felt crowns, purchased as do-it-yourself kits on Laufey’s website and a nod to her princess style.
“This is crazy,” Laufey said of the crowd size. She contrasted it with her native Iceland, which has a population of less than 400,000 people.
Fans at the Laufey concert in Houston, Sept. 20, 2025 at Toyota Center. (Joey Guerra)
“I’m always super excited to come to Texas because you guys are the warmest audience.”
Houston was the fourth stop on the A Matter of Time Tour, named for her new album that’s a subtle update to her sound. The show is divided into four acts and is equal parts ’50s movie musical, “The Nutcracker” and “Cinderella.” Before she made her entrance, black-and-white credits rolled across large screens.
May fans wore bows in their hair at the Laufey concert, Sept. 20, 2025 at Toyota Center. (Joey Guerra)
Everything about the show sparkled – in every sense of the word. The castle-like set was Disney worthy. The quartet of dancers was quirky and campy. The band was resonant and refined. There were costume changes, from ball gown to fringe minidress to toreador-style jacket. This was Laufey embracing the biggest moment of her career so far.
“Lover Girl” was cheeky and flirty. She strapped on a guitar for “Falling Behind” and later played a cello. Recent single “Silver Lining” was a standout, as was the push-and-pull heartbreak of “Too Little, Too Late.” During “Castle in Hollywood,” she rotated on a large clock arm.
The real magic, however, was Laufey’s knack for still creating intimate moments despite the superstar upgrade. She evoked a vintage jazz club for Act II and was joined by a trio of musicians on a small stage at the end of a runway that jutted into the audience. The segment featured radically reworked versions of songs from her two earlier albums, including “Valentine” and “While You Were Sleeping.”
Laufey onstage, Sept. 20, 2025 at Toyota Center. (Joey Guerra)
The show was paced beautifully, moving effortlessly from the stunning light display of “Carousel” to Laufey’s almost operatic vocals on “Forget Me Not.” The quiet devastation of “Promise” gave way to a gloriously dramatic “Goddess.” Her honeyed, husky tone is a throwback to Peggy Lee and Julie London, a sound that contrasts beautifully with the modern, confessional style of her lyrics.
Laufey saved her viral 2023 bossa nova, “From the Start,” for Act IV. She wore a cowboy hat and a red sash that said “Houston” – it felt very “Cowboy Carter.” Intentional or not, we always love a Beyoncé moment.
A Matter of Time Tour setlist
“Clockwork”
“Lover Girl”
“Dreamer”
“Falling Behind”
“Silver Lining”
“Bored”
“Too Little, Too Late”
“Seems Like Old Times”
“Valentine”
“Fragile”
“While You Were Sleeping”
“Let You Break My Heart Again”
“Carousel”
“Forget-Me-Not”
“Cuckoo Ballet (Interlude)”
“Mr. Eclectic”
“Castle in Hollywood”
“Promise”
“Goddess”
“Tough Luck”
“Snow White”
“From the Start”
“Sabotage”
The Risk”
“Letter to My 13 Year Old Self”
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