Review: The Lumineers in Manchester

 

☆ BY GRACE DODD ☆

 
 

“HUMBLING” - That’s how lead singer of ‘The Lumineers’ Wesley Schultz describes the past two years during their headline show at Manchester’s AO Arena last night. “Humbling” is also the exact word to describe the show itself. Whilst the band are certainly heavyweights of the folk-rock genre, there was nothing arrogant or overbearing about their sensational performance. Transporting audiences to remote forests, urban metropolises and everywhere in-between, the band created endearing and reflective environments, lighting and sound working effortlessly together to construct an array of atmospheres and narratives. Each song felt like its own complex universe, yet the set never felt disjointed. The tone always remained spirited and intimate, helped by Schultz taking the time to share charming anecdotes about the songs audiences know and love so well.

Shultz himself shared some incredible vocals, whilst the rest of the band performed sensationally and demonstrated confident and vibrant performances. From emphatically beautiful violin to divine guitar solos, these musicians know what they're good at and they do it so, so well. 

The two-hour long performance passed with ease thanks to a wonderfully designed setlist, the band sprinkling iconic tunes such as “Ophelia” and “Ho Hey” alongside new releases like “BRIGHTSIDE” and “REMINGTON” and even briefly covering The Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”.

Their poetic lyrics and joyous melodies rippled through the audience and although obviously intensely rehearsed, there was a spontaneity to the performance, a freedom. The band offered exactly what you would expect from a ‘The Lumineers’ performance: a dynamic, confident show which works to create an undeniable sense of community. The only unexpected thing was the band coming on stage to Rhianna’s Desperado

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