When The Lumineers released their first self-titled album in 2012 it sounded fresh and exciting and their second album, Cleopatra, did the same. A smattering of great singles from both were well received and then in this ever-changing world of music I confess I lost the thread.
Tonight, The Lumineers take to the stage at the legendary Hoxton Hall after the crowd sang happy birthday to Jeremiah Fraites. Raising funds for War Child the duo kick off the set from the beginning with the first track on their debut album ‘Flowers In Your Hair’ with Schultz on semi-acoustic guitar and Fraites on tambourine. Title track from second album ‘Cleopatra’ follows and sees Fraites on piano leading us warmly into this exclusive, intimate, stripped back performance.
This special evening also gave The Lumineers the opportunity to showcase new songs from their fifth album ‘Automatic’ which hits all streaming services on February 14th. Having been lucky enough to get an advance stream the album itself I can say it is nothing short of exceptional, possibly their best work to date and I was eager to see how it would translate live.
‘Same Old Song’ the first track, is introduced as an ode to music itself, “no matter what happens, there’s always this anchor in our lives, this magic thing that’s music”. Back behind the drumkit Fraites delivers a solid backbeat with rousing fillers as Schultz’s voice glides like an eagle above. Perfectly executed Fraites seats himself back behind the piano and we move to track two on ‘Automatic’ the self-deprecatingly entitled ‘Arsehole’. Schultz explains “I’ve met a lot of people and for some reason they say ‘when I first met you, I thought you were an arsehole.’” It’s another perfect rendition both recorded in the video below.
In all Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites showcase seven tracks from the forthcoming ‘Automatic’ including the emotionally charged title track which was my highlight of the evening along with the incredible ‘Dead Sea’ from their debut album. All accessible, chilled and uncomplicated, The Lumineers make it look so easy. Fraites spends most of the night on piano only returning behind the drumkit for the final closer ‘Stubborn Love’. Pointing his drumstick to his little girl in the balcony just above and urging her to clap as she duly did, this was a family affair. The night was in many ways a celebration of a musical partnership which has endured 20 years and was summed up by Schultz dedicating ‘You're All I Got’ to his musical partner on his birthday.
Special mention must also go to their upcoming tour support act Michael Marcagi who even prior to the release of his debut album was fresh from headlining The Forum the previous night, clearly a bright star in the making.
An early contender for gig of the year, the new album will definitely not disappoint and will likely see The Lumineers shine brighter than ever. The Lumineers are firmly back on my playlist.
Setlist Flowers In Your Hair Cleopatra Same Old Song Asshole Where We Are Gloria Plasticine Automatic Brightside Donna Angela You're All I Got Dead Sea So Long Ophelia Keys On The Table A.M. Radio Stubborn Love
