Live Review: The Lumineers

Fresh from their stint at Bluesfest, The Lumineers were here to show us they do have some bangers (sorry Odd Mob). The stomping folk trio expanded to a six-piece this evening, bringing along three fantastic musicians and a whole host of instruments to ensure they made up for having not graced our shores since 2013.

Submarines was the first cab off the rank, followed by Flowers In Your Hair, before Wesley Schultz invited us to stand for the ever popular Ho Hey, thankfully ignoring the cliche.

The Lumineers continued to curate an excellent set filled with both intimate moments and jubilant highs, showcasing their exquisite musicianship. Gun Song gave us insight into the passing of Schultz's father, while Cleopatra had us dancing in the stalls.

To make the most of the acoustics of the Concert Hall, the six-piece did a couple of songs without mics, just using the power of all six voices, an acoustic guitar, and Neyla Pekarek on cello - it really was a treat to hear them so resonant and vulnerable.

Charlie Boy was dedicated to Schultz's uncle, who died at the behest of his President; then flying solo with just a guitar and a mic, a heartfelt rendition of Slow It Down was played.

Ophelia, a triumphant moment, saw Schultz jump off stage and do a lap around the venue, which was followed by confetti and Walls, a Tom Petty cover. My Eyes was chosen to round out the set, with Jeremiah Fraites performing a beautiful piano solo as they retired from the stage.

Cheering continued, and the band returned to play Long Way From Home, before kicking it up a notch with Bob Dylan's Subterranean Homesick Blues and Stubborn Love. Admittedly, we were already standing, but they deserved that standing ovation.