MARINA @ The Union 09.12.2025

Seeing MARINA at The Union was an experience I will never forget. Before the doors even opened, the excitement was palatable. Fans in decorative corsets and elaborate costumes lined the sidewalk and were abuzz with elation to see MARINA live in concert for The Princess of Power Tour.

The night ignited with the opening performance of Atlanta alternative hip-hop duo Coco & Clair Clair. Their set was nothing short of electric, complete with chic outfits and fun lighting. Their lyrics were witty and cheeky, and the music itself had such a danceable rhythm and sultriness that my head kept bopping along. 

As MARINA hit the stage, concertgoers were treated to a Star Wars-style crawl to prepare us for the synth-y and empowering adventure we were about to embark on. And I just have to mention that the visuals on-screen were dazzling. Using bright and poppy pinks and yellows in an old-school video game, pixel art style brought the entire concept to life. Her set list was a journey that took us through six levels.

Beginning at with Star Fields, MARINA, in her red bodysuit with decorated with star patterns, set off with the album’s title track “Princess of Power” and looked inward with the familiar favorite “Are You Satisfied?” She perfectly transitioned into the world of Familiar Hells, a land of confrontation with inner struggles, especially when it comes to vulnerability, reflected by songs like “How to Be a Heartbreaker.” After confronting those fears, it was time for a transformation at level three, Cocoon, acknowledging hurt with songs like “EVERYBODY KNOWS I’M SAD,” finding healing with “I Am Not a Robot” and emerging as a “BUTTERFLY.” At this point, MARINA made a pit stop to acknowledge her wide range of fans and even brought up TikTok as a factor in boosting her popularity and continued connection with newer, younger fans.

With the transformation complete, MARINA took us to Digital Fantasies where she took back her power with songs like “DIGITAL FANTASY”and “METALLIC STALLION.” That stallion took us straight to the celebratory level five, Party Paradiso. Freedom of expression and sexuality were rewarded with hypnotic earworms, like my personal favorite, “Bubblegum Bitch.” Of course, it’s not a party without awesome outfits. MARINA brought up audience members to show off their elaborate costumes. A 21-year-old birthday girl with a beautiful, angelic demon outfit was named the winner, and I had to agree. That celebration gave us the Keys to the Castle, the final level, as MARINA fought the “FINAL BOSS,” rode a “ROLLERCOASTER” in true “Primadonna” fashion and made her exit with an “I <3 YOU” to her fans.

MARINA is an artist that proves that a concert doesn’t need flashy moves or pyrotechnics to be worth the price of admission. Seeing a statuesque siren like herself glide across the stage so effortlessly was enchanting. Her powerful singing filled the venue, and brought out the singer in all the audience members. The best concerts are the ones that take you on a journey with the artist and come out of it renewed. Seeing MARINA live made it obvious how she was able to attract such a passionate audience. Here’s hoping the Princess of Power graces Salt Lake City once again with her presence.

Check out more of SLUG‘s concert reviews here:
Japanese Breakfast @ SLC Twilight 09.05.2025
Pantera @ Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre 08.20.2025