Oklou Concert Review

“OKLOU” Concert Review

The Fonda Theater, Los Angeles

Thursday October 23 2025

            On Thursday, October 23, I was driving on the 101, full of excitement (and a few other emotions) as I made my way to the Fonda Theater. The time had come to see the performance of my favorite album of 2025 (so far): Choke Enough, the debut album from French electronic/hyperpop singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and overall genius Oklou. Among critics and fans alike, Choke Enough has had music lovers in a chokehold (pun intended). Full of what Ethel Cain once described as “pop music for bugs,” the album is an eclectic blend of electronic textures, sharp songwriting, emotional storytelling, and even modern twists on classical music.

As I made my way to the floor of the Fonda, the “bug music” enthusiasts were already gathering, ready for the beautifully curated night ahead. Cecile Believe, longtime PC Music collaborator, opened the Los Angeles show around 9 PM and pulled out all the stops. Opening with “Times,” the dance-pop energy immediately set in motion. The highlight of her set came from the heartstring-pulling performances of “Is It Cold in the Water?” and “My Forever,” both produced by the late, great hyperpop engineer SOPHIE. These songs carried the perfect balance of ethereal raw emotion and a groove that makes you want to move. Cecile kept the crowd jumping and dancing with “Show Me What,” the classic track she co-wrote and produced with A.G. Cook.

After Cecile’s set, the anticipation in the room doubled. Around 10 PM, the lights dimmed, and Casey MQ — longtime collaborator of Oklou — came out onto the stage. Setting the scene, he went to the decks and played an extended intro for “Ict,” full of electro-pop swells and ambient textures. It felt as if the audience was being transported into the landscape of Choke Enough’s world. Marylou (Oklou) followed with “Thank You for Recording,” even playing the flute live — it was like The Lord of the Rings score given an electro-pop facelift. The next song, “Obvious,” got the crowd fully moving. Its infectious melody filled the room and made it impossible not to follow along with her groove.

One major consistency throughout the show was the world-building. Extended intros with police scanners, ambient droning, lighting cues, and stage design all contributed to the atmosphere crafted by Oklou’s team. For the track “Plague Dogs,” Oklou scanned the audience with a single flashlight, searching among the crowd — it felt like being stared down in the dark by a cyclops. Once the track began, the industrial lights above the stage started swinging, and stunning visuals filled the white drapery behind her. The party continued with “Take Me by the Hand,” a fan favorite that mixed European trance and techno synths. The crowd was up and jumping for this modern hyperpop masterpiece featuring another pioneer of the genre, Bladee.

Alongside her newer material, Oklou treated fans to songs from her debut mixtape Galore, and even a re-release of a track from her secret SoundCloud (avril 23). My favorite of these throwbacks was “God’s Chariots,” which blended perfectly into the Choke Enough world. The extended intro felt industrial and ethereal, much like the first half of the set. Oklou then slowed the tempo down and performed a cover of Casey MQ’s “The Make Believe.” Full of raw emotion, it was a tender moment that contrasted beautifully with the electronic pulse of the show.

The set closed with a mind-melting burst of energy. The transition from “Choke Enough” into “Ict” created an incredible wave that had the crowd jumping — a moment the bug music faithful won’t forget anytime soon.

Oklou walked off as the lights dimmed and the music faded. The crowd erupted in chants of “one more song.” When she returned, cheers filled the room — no one wanted to leave the digital cathedral she had crafted. She closed the night with “Want to Wanna Come Back” and “Blade Bird,” bringing tears to my eyes. My favorite song off the album, performed live, was perfection — a stunning end to a beautifully curated show.

Setlist:

1.     Ict (intro only)

2.     Thank you for recording

3.     Obvious

4.     Plague dogs

5.     Take me by the hand

6.     Galore

7.     The make believe (Casey MQ cover with Casey MQ)

8.     Family and friends

9.     Harvest sky

10.  Gods chariots 

11.  Viscus

12.  Whats good (avril 23 cover)

13.  Fall

14.  Choke enough

15.  Ict

Encore:

16.  Want to wanna come back

17.  Blade bird