Lorde

WORSHIPING LORDE: They weren't just there to hear the single. The crush of kids checking out Lava/Republic songstress Lorde at the Echoplex in L.A. on Thursday evening were there to see an artist who'd struck a chord, not merely the teenage face behind ubiquitous single "Royals." This was evident in the way these young fans--multiethnic, gay and straight, largely hip and arty--danced and sang along to songs like the little-known "Tennis Court" and EP title track "The Love Club." Accompanied only by keyboards, sequencers and an electronic drum kit, Lorde prowled the stage with a spidery charisma, her voice luxuriating in the minimalist mix; she held the audience spellbound throughout. And when "Royals" finally kicked in, the crowd went nuts; those kids know every syllable. The new material she previewed, meanwhile, suggested a deepening of her soul/pop-meets-EDM sound. The fans I spoke with after the show used words like "hypnotic" to describe Lorde's appeal, while the publishers (there in force to tussle for her favor) marveled at how fully developed the kiwi singer/songwriter's vision is despite her tender years. Perhaps the greatest compliment was hurled by some anonymous, intoxicated audience member who, in a fit of envy at her youthful talent, shouted, "You're 16! Fuck you! I'm 29!" Wait a few years, dude. Lorde's just getting started. (8/9a)