LORD HURON
For all those that heard it last year (and are probably still playing it), there’s a beautiful echo to the opening of Lord Huron’s sophomore album, Strange Trails. “Yes, I know that love is like ghosts.” Vocalist/guitarist/mastermind Ben Schneider pushes out the words with a quick, gritty but subtle twang, on the multi-layered track. Then it’s off to a sad story about the temporal quality of a relationship. Intimate and profound, Lord Huron’s sound befits a setting like the regal Fillmore Miami Beach.
Lord Huron’s last album came out just over a year ago, but the anticipation to see the L.A. band bring these songs, as well as those off their debut 2012 album Lonesome Dream, is a moment fans will find worth waiting for. With evocative lyrics and a sound a bit more upbeat and luscious than Fleet Foxes and Band of Horses, Lord Huron falls into that cubby hole of groups referred to as indie folk.
With tinges of decorative elements by Mark Barry on percussion and Miguel BriseÒo alternating between bass, keyboards and more percussion, Lord Huron’s sound transcends reduction, though. The group, which also includes Tom Renaud on guitar and vocals, lay on coats of harmonies to their dynamic melodies and driving rhythms. Most recently, Brett Farkas joined the group to add another layer of guitars to their live shows.
The members of Lord Huron deliver a lush sound with musically intricate performances, from the sleigh bells on “Until the Night Turns” to breaking out the Theremin to kick off “Way Out There.” The band’s attention to detail was on full display last year, as captured on a professionally shot live video for KEXP where they played with varied harmonic drones under several songs.
This show at the Fillmore apparently marks the band’s first ever live appearance in South Florida. The band last came this close on a tour stop at The Beacham in Orlando, back in July, so this show is a special opportunity for the band’s southernmost fans.
Lord Huron plays w. Lucy Dacus at The Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, Wednesday, June 15, at 7pm. Tickets are general admission and are $26.50. Purchase from Live Nation.
~ Hans Morgenstern | The Independent Ethos (indieethos.com)