London – For a relatively new band like Curse of Lono, the homely North London pub The Islington offers a ready springboard for the upwardly mobile. It boasts the kind of intimate atmosphere favoured by genuine music fans, with a decent PA system and acoustics to match. You can just about shoehorn a five-piece on the stage and though red drapes and blue/red lighting seem to follow me around live venues in London, the absence of a smoke machine was a welcome omission. The gig room was hot enough already as a capacity crowd had gathered to see the band’s debut headline show and EP launch ahead of a short tour, supporting Texan roots rockers Uncle Lucius.
As a novel innovation in such surroundings, the evening kicked off with a half-hour film premiere. Directed by Alex Walker, Saturday Night: A Film of Four Songs follows the song cycle on Curse of Lono’s debut EP and perfectly captures the cinematic sweep of the band’s music. (A short trailer can be found HERE.) As a prelude to a live performance some might say it was a bold move.
The well-received showing was followed by support act, Erin Kleh trading as Erin K. On an evening for debuts, Kleh announced it was her first gig with her three-piece backing band of guitar, bass, and drums. The togetherness of the band certainly didn’t suggest this, and Kleh impressed with her wry and often earthy, autobiographical songs sung in an easy on the ear brogue, while adding a touch of visual glamour in her blue top, shorts and heels. Despite moving to London as a child, her Texan origins were plainly audible in her vocal tone. On her Twitter page, Erin K says, “I sing songs about everything from noodles to chodes, but can only draw pandas.” Readers of a sensitive nature are advised not to seek a definition of “chode,” but wildlife fans should check out the “Hybrids” on her website. Her talent hardly stops at pandas!
Warmed up by Erin K and the number of bodies in the main room, the audience received Curse of Lono enthusiastically. The alt-rock outfit, with a distinct Southern States feel, started particularly strongly. A drone from keyboardist Dani Ruiz Hernandez’s quaint-looking harmonium heralded the Londoners’ persuasive opener, “Just My Head,” as man in black Joe Hazell kicked in with slide runs followed by strident chords on his resonator guitar. With the pair adding sweet harmonies, along with female bassist Charis Anderson, to frontman Felix Bechtolsheimer’s easy on the drawl lead vocal, the song mixed light and shade with drive in equal measure.
“Five Miles,” the opening track from Curse of Lono’s debut EP, followed with a rich bass-led introduction, giving way to a Mumfords’ style four-part harmony before dissolving into a rockier southern-fried stomp. The band came together just over a year ago through meeting at regular Sunday jam sessions; that togetherness was very much evident in the ensemble playing with the guitars and keys shining through, underpinned by Anderson’s nimble bass and Neil Findley’s exemplary drumming. Some of his rhythmic rolls were quite sublime.
The band rang the changes as the set progressed with Bechtolsheimer strapping on a tom-tom during “Send For The Whisky” and showcasing a mellower aspect in the quieter “Each Time You Hurt”, dedicated to the EP’s producer Oli Bayston. A crowd-pleasing moment was when Spaniard Hernandez’s father, who’d flown in for the gig from Madrid, was name checked. During “No Trouble”, which owed a bit to “Knocking On Heaven’s Door”, you felt Austin’s Continental Club had truly come to North London.
The band really cut through with “London Rain” – a strong song on record, revealing a cutting edge live. A samba-like drums intro gave way to swamp rock with an unexpected keyboard solo towards the end, reminiscent of The Doors’ Ray Manzarek, while Hazell channelled his inner Keith Richards on lead guitar. The set closed with the soulful country balladry of “Don’t Look Down,” along with some tasty lead guitar to conclude it. An encore was duly called for and delivered in the shape of “Pick Up The Pieces.” From the evidence of this first ever headline show, Curse of Lono should only pick up more fans!
Curse of Lono is on tour with Uncle Lucius throughout Europe and the UK from 27th October to 7th November. Details are on the band’s Facebook page.
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Photography by Ruth Geraghty for Best New Bands.
Tony Hardy
Tony’s great passion in life is music and nothing gives him more pleasure than unearthing good, original new music and championing independent musicians. His association with Best New Bands brings great opportunities for this. He also writes for Consequence of Sound and is a judge for Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent Competition.
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