“You only have to let the soft animal of your body // love what it loves.” – Mary Oliver
Inspired and shaped by the powerful stanza of Mary Oliver’s Wild Geese, SOFI TUKKER brought an abundance of animal print aesthetics and infectious energy to Chicago’s Huntington Bank Pavilion on September 25th. The duo, consisting of Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, delivered a performance that felt deeply personal, serving as a heartfelt homage to their creative history.
From nostalgic clips of their early DJ sets during the COVID-19 pandemic to candid discussions about their artistic inspirations, the pair provided a vulnerable and joyous experience for their fans.
Animal Print Everywhere
The theme of the night was unmistakable: animal print. Zebra stripes and jaguar spots adorned the venue, bringing the set’s opening visuals to life—a compilation of animal cutouts accompanied by an excerpt from Mary Oliver’s Wild Geese. Sophie and Tucker emerged to the sounds of hyena cackles and tiger growls, immediately engaging an ecstatic audience with hypnotic dance routines and a setlist that spanned from early hits like ‘Swing,’ ‘Barthelona,’ and ‘Best Friend’ to their latest releases.
Displaying Their Roots On Stage
Throughout the evening, the duo explored the circumstances that led them to this stage. Having met as college students in 2014, their rapid rise—marked by a Grammy nomination for their debut single ‘Drinkee’—was tempered by the pandemic, which forced them to pivot to livestreaming. During the show, they shared clips from those sessions, highlighting their natural chemistry and playful banter, including a segment where they hilariously impersonated one another.
As the set neared its conclusion, Sophie highlighted her affinity for Portuguese language and Brazilian culture, leading to a vibrant performance of ‘Brazilian Soul’ that transformed the venue into a scene reminiscent of the streets of Brazil.
The Animal Talk Tour Soars On
The Animal Talk tour continues its North American run, with upcoming appearances at Austin City Limits and beyond. The Chicago show also served as the live debut for their latest collaboration with OneRepublic, titled ‘Tsunami.’ For those seeking a production defined by joy, whimsy, and community, the Animal Talk tour is an essential experience.
