Nestled in the heart of the Pico-Union neighborhood, just west of Downtown Los Angeles and a mere ten minutes from USC, sits The Pico Union Project. This unassuming, church-like building, which now serves as a multi-faith cultural arts center, was the oldest synagogue building in Los Angeles. But on September 5, it became the center of attention for a different crowd: dedicated Rex Orange County fans.
Despite Los Angeles being in the midst of a heatwave, fans wrapped around the block in anticipation of a surprise album release show — a performance that had only been announced last week. The small venue, which typically hosts a range of community events, was transformed for the night into a concert hall, offering fans an up-close-and-personal experience with the artist.
English artist Alexander O’Connor, better known as Rex Orange County, has been a staple of the alternative indie music scene since 2017, with four critically acclaimed albums and several sold-out world tours to his name. This night, however, marked a significant moment in his career: a return to the spotlight following a challenging and controversial chapter. In 2022, O’Connor faced six charges of sexual assault by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), leading to the abrupt cancellation of his tour at the time. Later that year, an investigation by CPS led to the charges being dismissed.
Now in 2024, his latest album, “The Alexander Technique,” represents a hopeful comeback. The title references a form of therapy for poor posture, and in a way, reflects the once-fallen O’Connor’s attempt to rectify his standing with the music world. The new record serves as Rex Orange County’s re-introduction as the truest version of himself: Alexander.
For the fewer than 400 lucky fans who managed to secure a $35 ticket — a steal compared to the doubled prices of his upcoming theatre tour — the Pico Union Project offered a special opportunity to witness an intimate performance. Though typically outfitted with pews, the night’s event was standing room only, heightening the intimacy and excitement. Inside, the ambiance was both mellow and reverent. The stained glass windows, centered pipe organ and moody lighting created a setting that felt almost spiritual — an apt comparison for what would unfold later in the evening.
When Rex Orange County and his band took the stage at around 8:20 pm, the audience quickly forgot their discomfort from the heat. The show kicked off with songs from the new album, which was publicly released later that night. Rex Orange County opened with “The Table,” a gentle guitar-driven single that set the tone for the evening. Next came “Pure,” an upbeat number that carried the energy forward, before launching into “THE SHADE,” a fan-favorite from his previous album “Who Cares?,” which had the entire crowd singing along word for word.
In a move that hinted at the emotional journey of the new album, the 26-year-old then slowed things down with “New Years,” a raw and honest track that highlighted his signature introspective lyricism. The performance continued with two more well-loved tracks: “Happiness” and “Untitled.” Both were throwbacks to his days as an independent artist on platforms like SoundCloud, when he was first discovered by rapper Tyler, the Creator. It was these early songs, and his collaborations on Tyler’s album “Flower Boy”, that helped launch him into the spotlight.
As the clock struck 9:00 pm, “The Alexander Technique” officially dropped. Rex took a moment to thank his fans for their unwavering support, acknowledging the irony that they couldn’t listen to the album right away. To make up for it, he continued the performance with three more tracks from the new release: “Guitar Song,” the second single off the album, “2008,” a more upbeat tune featuring a fuller band and “Look Me in the Eyes,” an emotional piano-driven track that brought the crowd back down to a more reflective mood.
The night came to a close with a final burst of nostalgia. Rex played two beloved throwbacks, the dreamlike love song, “AMAZING,” and, what his fans consider to be his magnum opus, “Pluto Projector.” The crowd, however, wasn’t ready to leave. Chanting for an encore, they were rewarded with one last performance of another throwback, “Loving is Easy,” sending fans home with a sense of bittersweet fulfillment.
For Rex Orange County fans, loving isn’t always easy. Though the night marked a triumphant return for the artist, it was not without its complexities. The artist’s past controversy still lingers, and while the charges were dropped and he maintains his innocence, uncertainty remains. Yet, for many in the room, it was clear that Rex is back.