The folk-rockers started as 4 talented musicians on the east coast and because of the industry's not so welcoming attitude the decision was made to head west. By way of Craigslist the band garnered Neyla, who contributes a softer side. Neyla plays the cello, mandolin, piano and has romantic vocals like the goddess she is. There in Denver, they were able to create tunes that would eventually turn them into rock-stars. STARS! Stars that made Upstate Concert Hall look like MSG, in regards to headcount...well, almost!
"Ho Hey," was the song that was recorded and discovered on YouTube, later to be released on some prime-time soapy type show, which later allowed them to release their self titled album in April of this year! Can I just say, "THANK GOODNESS," because this album...oh this album, I don't know how to describe, except it's a story. From, "Flowers in Your Hair," to "Morning Song," it's a perfectly crafted mix of simple rustic folk, rock and love. It's an album where pressing "shuffle" is frowned upon.
My friend Tucker and I were towards the back, and while it was hard to see I somehow made it happen. The band opened with, "Submarines," played for a good hour and twenty minutes and closed with a Talking Heads cover of "Naive Melody!" Currently my favorite song is, "Dead Sea," and while I wish it could have been a private serenade, I was able to overcome the d-bags who were fist pumping and talking in front of me and hear the sweetest sounds that ever were. "Hi Wesley, I'm really good at the tambourine!" :)
My favorite song of the night, was one I've never heard before, which they titled "our new song." It was a sweet and simple duet with Neyla and Wesley. The lyrics were honest, the melody was ballad-like and to quote the exact description from their website...it was "heart swelling." If rose petals started falling from the sky when they performed it, I wouldn't have been surprised. Please release it soon!
Since Tucker and I were such cooperative concert goers, and because the law of attraction is such a strong force, Tucker was handed a set-list of the show from the bearded beauty sound man. The night was so rad, I couldn't stop smiling. To boot, this all went down less than 7 days after the band's TWO Grammy nominations, I can't help but feel I'm part of music history, in some small insignificant way. GRATEFUL.
I heard them first on EQX when they posted that epic YouTube clip of "Ho Hey," being performed in a candlelit apartment and it forever sealed the deal. I fell in love, with the song, with Wesley, with men with beards...with everything. Later released was the single, "Stubborn Love," and I'm hoping, "Dead Sea," is next. While I was lucky enough to gain access to the coveted list for a guaranteed in to the show, other people were not...BUT I later found out that The Lumineers started to play in the parking lot (and were asked to stop by local cops) for the crowd that waited around but wasn't able to get in and were listening from the parking lot. Fans make it happen and I'm sure the Lumineers are well aware of that.
I am so thankful for the peeps I've come to know at EQX, allowing me to experience some of the coolest shows OF MY LIFE. Monday night added to the list. EQX I dont' know how you bring in these amazing bands and talent but.....oh wait, yes I do...you're the sheeeeeet, that's how. Keep doin' your thang!
