New wave synthpop artist Charli XCX performed at Bucks’ Newtown campus in November, dazzling the audience and leaving them entertained for the modest price of $10.

The Mahlors, a popular local band, first graced the
stage. They played for about an hour before ending their last performance before surrendering the spotlight to Charli XCX.

The Mahlors have been gaining in popularity in recent months and years, using their popular blend of rock and reggae to open new avenues to fans not previously engrossed by rock or reggae alone. The Mahlors are similar to Charlie XCX in the way that they are gaining popularity at almost the same rate as the young synthpop star.

The Mahlors, however, come from the United States, a stark difference from the British talent being promoted by Charlie XCX. Coming all the way from the U.K. to play at Bucks, Charli XCX did not disappoint, and even inspired awe in the crowd with a few of her most popular songs including, “Nuclear Seasons,” “Take My Hand,” “Set Me Free” and “I love it.” She even performed a song for which she had just completed the video, titled “Superlove.”

Charli XCX has toured with many big-name bands and musicians as well, including Coldplay, Ellie Goulding, Paramore Santigold and Marina and The Diamonds. As of June 2013, Charlie XCX has announced she’s working on a second album.

At the end of the show, the concertgoers rose from their seats, completely and utterly impressed with the raw power of Charli XCX’s voice.

It was $10 very much well spent, as most will agree; Hayley Owens, 20 said, “I thought it was good. I had never really heard of her until tonight.”

Another patron, Sam Faulkner 21, who already knew of Charli XCX before the concert, called it a “solid performance, all around.”

Other patrons of the concert seemed just as impressed. Some came for “The Mahlors”, and others for Charli XCX. Some didn’t even know what to expect. Though viewers may not have all entered the auditorium
with anything in common, the one thing every member of the audience could all say is, by the end of the night, they were all fans of Charli XCX.

Charli XCX began her songwriting career when she was 14. In 2008, she released her first two singles, “!Franchesckaar!” and double A-side “Emelline/Art B*tch,” along with her first album “14.” Her second
album, “True Romance,” was released April 12, 2012.

Much of Charlie XCX’s music has received a positive reception, and Charlie’s most recent album, “True Romance,” currently holds a score of 76 on the review site Metacritic. With the reception Charlie
XCX has received thus far, it is not unlikely that she will continue to skyrocket in terms of popularity with the release of her third album.

For more information on The Mahlors and their music, go to: www.themahlors.com

For more information on Charli XCX, go to: www.charlixcxmusic