Three years since their last appearance here, The Lumineers have been warmly welcomed back to Aussie shores for their Brightside tour.
Named after their latest album Brightside, the tour encompassed new hits and old favourites alike by the American indie-folk artists. The final show of their Australian and New Zealand tour took place in Melbourne on November 18th, in the cosy venue that is Margaret Court Arena. Albeit an arena, the gig still had a fairly intimate feel, which was the perfect setting for the music that ensued.
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Opening the gig was Brisbane-based indie folk band, Hollow Coves. Their thirty-minute set included favourites such as Coastline and Home, which were certainly a hit with the Victorian crowd. These two lads have recently opened Passenger’s Australian shows, as well as headlined their own North American tour. It is clear that the acoustic duo are making music that is resonating with a worldwide audience, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next on their music journey.
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The Lumineers had both those in seats and the mosh pit swaying, jumping, dancing and singing along from the moment they entered the stage. Traversing through newer and older songs, the energetic band performed hits such as Ho Hey, Brightside, Cleopatra and Ophelia. The Rolling Stones’ You Can’t Always Get What You Want was also featured on the set list. At one point in the show, lead singer Wesley Schultz made his way into the mosh pit, performing and serenading as he went, getting up close and personal with their fans.
There are no doubts that The Lumineers are entertainers. The band were seen jumping on the piano, dancing around the stage, and going barefoot, all while navigating a wide range of instruments that they played seemingly effortlessly. This is a band that really looks as though they love what they do.
The show was briefly stopped mid-song, as Schultz requested medical attention be paid to a girl in the mosh pit. It wasn’t until she had been safely removed that the band continued on with their gig, which is a testament to their character and appreciated by concert goers.
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The crowd was at face value made up mostly of those who were likely in their teens and twenties during the Ho Hey days, but there were also young children and older fans in attendance. One downside of the event was the groups of people standing in the seated area. Lead singer Schultz encouraged people to stand, and while it is always fun to have a dance, it blocked the views of those sitting behind them. Posing difficulty for children who couldn’t see over even when standing, people with mobility issues, and for those who simply wanted to sit in the seat they paid for, I could hear a collection of disgruntled concertgoers, who simply couldn’t see. Perhaps a reminder for all to pay some mind to those sitting behind, even when your favourite song is calling. That said, the overall atmosphere in the arena was one of joy, and a little nostalgia for some of the old favourite tunes.
It was clear that the crowd were just happy to hear some of their favourite songs live, and have The Lumineers back Down Under.
You can listen to The Lumineers’ new album here, and follow Hollow Coves’ music here.
