The Lumineers @ The Greek Theater LA (9.27.13)

The Lumineers

I'm not not usually someone who sees a band twice within a year, but as my girl had never seen the Lumineers, I decided to go again. It's amazing where a year can take a band.  The last time, they played The Observatory OC, a 500 seat venue. This time they played the Greek Theater in LA which is a 5000 seat venue and they sold out two nights.

As I had already had a press pass and shot a bunch of great photos of them (click here for that post) I didn't bother with that this time around.  I wanted to actually watch and enjoy them this time.  Sadly I was a bit further away than side stage, but still close enough.  The band seemed to have the same energy and intimacy with the crowd I remembered from their last show, although I think some of it gets lost in a big venue.  At one point they even went into the crowd and played.  As the Greek is so big they even had to bring mic's with them which was pretty cool given the logistics of it for the sound engineer.



Not surprisingly, the band played a similar set to the last time I saw them.  Apparently they have not had a lot of down time to write new material.  In addition to their entire album they played two from their demo EP and the "Falling" duet between Neyla Pekarek and Wesley Schultz.  There was only one new song (who's name eludes me) from last time that they played.  I really hope they take some time out from touring to write new material.  They've got the right energy, sound and feel for the time.  I'd hate to see them loose momentum, by disappointing fans hoping for something new.



To fill out their set, The Lumineers did a number of covers including Bob Dylan's Subterranean Homesick Blues, which I think they did last time ( I have a vague memory of them playing one of his songs).  I hate to say it, but I prefer the Dylan version albeit sung much better by Schultz   I found their version a bit empty lacking instrumentation.

In the end the band was great, they still had the energy that made them what they are, and I had a great time.  I probably won't go see them again until they release another album or two though.

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Side Note:

Something that sort of mystifies me is the tie ins between the Lumineers and The Band. Last time I saw them right before they went on they played a song from the band and then closed the night with a sing along to "The Weight."  This time they played songs from the band right before and after as well.  Given the age and fashion tastes of those at their shows, I wonder how many have picked up on this.  If I ever get a chance I definitely have to ask them.