With the sweetness of a Georgia peach and the smoothness of Tennessee whiskey, Larkin Poe enveloped us in an electrifying performance, momentarily whisking everyone in the packed O2 Academy away to a Friday night on Broadway Street in Nashville. The sibling duo, Rebecca and Megan Lovell, infused every note with an outpouring of their boundless passion, leaving an indelible mark on our souls.
Their lifelong companionship in writing, recording, and touring was palpable, infusing their performance with an unmatched tightness and crispness that few can rival. The genuine sibling banter and the heartfelt side-glance smiles added a layer of authenticity to their show.
Embarking on a European tour with their latest masterpiece, “Blood Harmony,” the duo delivered a performance that epitomized what a rock ‘n’ roll show should be in 2023.
Renowned for crafting songs that begin with a tender caress and crescendo into a powerful emotional impact, the O2 reverberated from floor to ceiling, fueled not only by the duo’s energy but also by the enthralled crowd, clapping and foot-stomping in unison. Larkin Poe could have easily centered their set on the latest album, from which the tour takes its name, showcasing nine of the album’s eleven tracks impeccably. However, their marathon set of 18 songs paid homage to long-standing fans, reaching as far back as 2017 with “Preachin’ Blues” from “Peach,” “Blue Ridge Mountains” from “Venom & Faith” in 2018, and three tracks including “Self Made Man” from the 2020 album of the same name.
The highlights were numerous, but the band’s ingenious decision to break the set in the middle and present mind-blowing acoustic versions of “Might As Well Be Me” and “Southern Comfort” was a rare treat. It felt as though we’d experienced two incredible gigs in one. The rendition of the latter will resonate with me for a long time, the crowd whispering along out of respect rather than singing at full volume, the hairs on our necks standing to full attention.
Adding to the allure were a few exceptional covers, including a delightful rendition of Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock” that elicited smiles across the entire venue, ticking nearly every box of a remarkable performance.
The new album itself boasts an array of standout tracks that had been clamoring to be played live and loud since its inception. Tracks like “Bad Spell,” “Bolt Cutters & The Family Name,” and, of course, the encore track “Deep Stays Down” resonated with a colossal sound, all intricately woven with the distinct essence of Larkin Poe.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Larkin Poe stands as one of the preeminent roots-rock bands gracing our planet at this moment.
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
