Portland – Lord Huron has fans. Thursday night’s sold-out show at the Crystal Ballroom only proved that fact. The venue was packed to the brim as they waited in anticipation, and as the band stepped on stage, the crowd clapped and screamed in unison. The show began with the band’s lead singer, Ben Schneider, turning the dial of an old radio mimicking a newscast, announcing that: “Lord Huron was last seen in Portland.” The crowd cheered, knowing that Lord Huron was indeed back in their city.
Lord Huron began as a solo project for the band’s founder and Michigan native Ben Schneider. Inspired by Lake Huron, the project grew from Schneider’s stay there while taking a hiatus from the Los Angeles music scene. Schneider released Into The Sun under the moniker in 2010, and the full band released Mighty the same year. The band’s first full-length, Lonesome Dreams, followed in 2012.
The stage was illuminated by a neon sign reading Strange Trails, the band’s latest release (read our review here). It was apparent that lighting was a focal part of the show. With every change in song, “Strange Trails” was illuminated differently, cuing an automatic change in scenery. The whole set kept the crowd in an ever-changing environment composed of explosive lighting work and the addition of the aforementioned radio, sounds of water rushing and percussions. The presence of nature is a theme that Schneider and Lord Huron have played with since their beginning. Though now based in LA, Lord Huron hasn’t forgotten its roots.
Of the well-crafted set, “Meet Me In The Woods” was a standout. The show only gathered momentum as it went on, with the indie folk group steadily showing their skill. The crowd’s energy fed off the band’s—every song was met with dancing and a certain type of joy. As Schneider sang: “Now the darkness got a hold on me” the audience could relate, and they wanted more.
As “Ghost On The Shore” began, the audience was transported to Lord Huron’s Lonesome Dreams. The elements added to the song added the natural sense that Lord Huron perpetually brings. The song was comprised of elements of piano, wind chimes, harmonica and a microphone that echoed Schneider’s voice. The crowd was entranced, and they couldn’t help but be. The band only further pleased the crowd when they played hits like “Fool For Love” and “Ends Of The Earth.”
There is a confidence about Lord Huron that is undeniable. The band’s skill is seamless and their sound is inviting. They aren’t exactly what you’d expect as an indie folk outfit and that’s because they don’t absolutely adhere to genre. There are semblances of rock and even country that may be faint, but definitely present. However, the show wouldn’t have been the same if not for the audience. The crowd was ecstatic in their anticipation, steady in their enjoyment and an asset to the show’s energy. Schneider reassured them with his acknowledgement: “Thank you so much. It’s really great to be back in Portland.”
Lord Huron is currently touring. Track their tour dates on Facebook.
Dakota Smith
Follow her on twitter in case she says something funny: @LikeTheStates
Latest posts by Dakota Smith (see all)
- Willis Earl Beal At LA’s Bootleg Theater - September 24, 2015
- Petite Noir – “La Vie Est Belle / Life Is Beautiful” - September 16, 2015
- Widowspeak: – “All Yours” - September 7, 2015
