A fortunate crowd were treated to a warm and engaging performance by The Lumineers in the familiar surrounds of The Corner Hotel last week. The band’s Bluesfest sideshow would’ve been at a much larger venue if it had been announced just a few months later.
In a very short space of time the Denver-based band have been nominated for two Grammys, played at the awards ceremony, had their debut album receive gold status in Australia, the US, and UK and reach number two on the Billboard 200, and had the all-conquering single “Ho Hey” flood Australian radio.
For those lucky enough to get a ticket to the very sold out show, it was a perfectly intimate setting to showcase The Lumineers’ uplifting and infectious folk music.
Sydney’s The Falls opened the night with their own brand of soothing, relaxing folk, featuring lovely harmonies between the two members, the formerly dating Melinda Kirwin and Simon Rudston-Brown.
The connection was obvious between the pair, and accompanied by just guitar and at times a stomp box and melodica, the sparse backing allowed the enchanting vocals to shine. After Kirwin stated that “we feel like we’re in a dream”, the pair proceeded to cover Neil Young’s “Heart Of Gold”, and finished the enjoyable set with “Into The Fire”.
By the time the main act arrived on stage the Corner was almost packed to the point of overflowing, and as soon as the opening notes of “Submarines” were heard, it was obvious that the full room would be hanging on every note and singing along to nearly every word.
A casual “How are you doing Melbourne? We’re The Lumineers”, marked the band’s first visit to the country. Joined by two extra, now full-time members on bass and keys, the line up created a more layered and full sound compared to the album.
“Classy Girls” triggered the first of many moments where the crowd became almost louder than lead singer Wesley Schultz. It also featured drummer Jeremiah Fraites standing and utilising the roof for a drum kit.
The impossibly catchy “I Ain’t Nobody’s Problem” allowed fans to completely take over vocal duties, and also saw cellist Neyla Pekarek gleefully dancing on stage.
An early appearance of huge hit “Ho Hey” was met with an overwhelming reaction, as well as the inevitable sea of smart phones in the air. This prompted Schultz to ask, “Would you mind putting your phones away, I want you to be with us now”; a sentiment that would be welcome at many shows nowadays.
With all phones away the song was a joyful celebration, the wide smiles on every band member matched by the sold-out crowd and the deafening refrain of “Love we need it now / Let’s hope for some” screamed by everyone inside the venue.
With only one album’s worth of material to draw on, The Lumineers played every single song off their self-titled debut, as well as multiple covers, including an upbeat version of Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues”, ensuring that the charmed crowd got their money’s worth.
The band also played a brand new, as yet untitled song; a duet between Schultz and Pekarek that showcased her wonderful voice, something all too rare on their first record. The song was a lovely change of pace for the show and it seems destined to be their next big song.
“Stubborn Love” received one of the biggest reactions of the night, with the crowd completely drowning out Schultz in the chorus, leading the frontman to joyfully say “that’s the loudest it’s ever been”, and proceed to conduct the masses in its final moments.
After claiming that, “You guys don’t disappoint. We were told Australia was going to be loud, but we didn’t expect it to be that loud”, the five members ventured into the centre of the bustling crowd to play a completely unplugged version of “Darlene”.
Schultz again requested for all phones to be put away, and even stopped the song when a sneaky individual began recording. With piano accordionist Stelth Ulvang precariously perched on a small table, the others emerging among the masses and a hushed silence, it was a truly special moment and one to be remembered only by those who were there.
The main set concluded with the adorable “Flapper Girl”, but Schultz soon returned for a solo version of “Morning Song”, before being joined by his fellow band members for “The Big Parade”.
The Lumineers are in the midst of their biggest tour to date, but Schultz stated that the Melbourne crowd were, “making it feel like we’ve come home.” The band seemed genuinely humble, appreciative, and loving every moment of being on stage in front of their adoring fans.
A cover of Talking Heads’ “This Must Be The Place”, including the line, “Home is where I want to be”, fittingly ended the night, and the embracing band seemed to not want to leave the stage.
With the parting words, “Judging by the way we’ve been treated, we know we’ll be back soon”, met with huge cheers, it’s safe to say the band will again be playing Australian shores. That’s something of a bittersweet prospect though, as everyone lucky enough to be in The Corner Hotel were conscious that when they return, it’s unlikely to be in as intimate or perfect a setting.
