On January 28, 2026, the Skydome at SM North EDSA was transformed into a reverb-drenched sanctuary. For her If Not Winter tour, WISP (Natalie R. Lu) returned to the very stage where she made her Manila debut just over a year ago. The aesthetic was the definition of ethereal as a dreamy light set illuminated the artist in soft glows while audio-reactive strobes pulsed in perfect synchronization with every beat. These lights moved rhythmically to the melody and effectively turned the signature “wall of sound” into a visual pulse that felt both kinetic and immersive.

This visual experience was grounded by a sound design that captured the beautiful contradictions of modern shoegaze. There was a powerful physicality to the music as the chest-hitting bass and driving drums physically shook the floor. Despite that instrumental intensity, WISP’s angelic voice effortlessly filled the dome. Her vocals sat atop the layers of electric guitar like a delicate whisper. This created a striking contrast where the music felt massive and crushing while the atmosphere remained deeply intimate.

That intimacy translated directly to the energy in the room, which was a unique blend of calm fascination and rhythmic headbanging. The crowd remained visibly mesmerized and locked into the atmospheric flow of the setlist. A major standout was “Save Me Now,” which featured a perfect melodic build-up that transitioned from soft, airy vocals into a crashing symphony of drums and guitar.

Before her final song, Natalie took a moment to connect with the audience and reminisced about playing the same venue exactly a year ago. She expressed her gratitude to those who returned for this tour and shared how much she truly wanted to play for her Manila fans again. This reinforced the strong bond she has built with the local scene.

The night was a journey through the textures of her new album with “Pandora” setting the tone as a powerful opener. While the show was slightly condensed because the artist needed to take a brief mid-set break to recover, the performance did not lose its impact. The momentum remained high as she returned to the stage to power through the final stretch. This culminated in the haunting “Black Swan” and her viral anthem “Your Face,” which triggered the most passionate sing-along of the night.

Walking out of the Skydome felt like emerging from a dreamlike experience. The night left the audience in a hazy and immersive glow that is a testament to WISP’s ability to create a world within a venue. It was a sonically rich and visually stunning encounter with one of shoegaze’s brightest stars that left fans already looking forward to her next return.

Special thanks to Pulp Live World
Photos by Yobhel Valenzuela