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"Welcome all you beautiful people"
If Larkin Poe was playing on Friday (like I thought they were). The headline would read: “It Was A Good Friday Night at the Commodore”, or something to that effect. But it wasn’t a Good Friday, it was a GREAT Saturday night at the Commodore Ballroom. This was my second time seeing the sister duo, and their band, and they did not disappoint. Even for someone who had to leave the third period of game one of the NHL playoffs (go Avs). There’s not many bands that I’d leave for. But when they invite you out (and surprisingly you’re the only one there), you gotta do what you gotta do. And it all worked out. A great game and a great show, all in one night. Even if they didn’t have me come down, I still would’ve gone. Last week I covered Dear Rouge and I said that they make me want to be up on that stage, and same goes for Larkin Poe. Why couldn’t my mom have given me a sibling?
Coming to the Commodore two years after the last time they were in Vancouver (at the same venue), they’re definitely a more well known band. With Blood Harmony putting them more on the map (to my eyes at least). So I’m a little surprised they didn’t play a bigger venue. As I could easily see them playing next door at the Orpheum. But selfishly I’m glad they were back at the Commodore…because well…it’s the Commodore.
"Thanks for believing in us, let's do this"
Switching gears to the denim-clad band themselves, Rebecca and Megan Lovell, they bring it with sheer talent. But in their own unique ways. While Megan is more reserved, she’s inwardly charismatic, she’s there having a good time with you. Rebecca is outwardly, taking up just about all of the talking, and is more commanding in that you watch her…so if anyone’s keeping score, I’d be a Megan…but 10 feet further back…but while we’re still in this fantasy, I’ve got Rebecca’s chops on guitar.
The set itself was high groove. That surely melted the blues away from anyone that might’ve had them entering. But one of the highlights was the throwback to their bluegrass roots, with the rest of the band joining the sisters at the front of the stage for a three song acoustic set, starting with an acoustic cover of Southern Comfort.
"Love songs are great!"
I have to give props to the band and their crew to the details of the show. The lighting was great, which is the most important thing to me (when I have my camera). But as a fan, it was the sound. It’s one of the best sounding shows I’ve been to in a while. Even standing next to the PA, it was enjoyable. But it still had the volume to make you feel like you’re watching a band live, not listening to them in your living room. The balance of each instrument was dialled in to perfection. With the vocals floating perfectly on top, crisp and clear. No ringing ears. More bands (and sound engineers) need to take note. I wish I could remember the names of their crew, of whom they shouted out, because there was care to make it the best possible experience they could, and it was successful.
"We're very very grateful for y'all"
"We really do just want a little bit of Rock & Roll"
If you were there, I don’t need to tell you how good the show was, you’re probably just here for the photos. But if you’re reading this, because Larkin Poe is coming your way, yes, buy yourself a ticket…but only if you want to have a rockin’ good time.
Thanks to Larkin Poe for having me out to shoot the show. Having the pit to myself was quite the freeing honour (no offence to my fellow photographers). I can’t wait until you’re back here again.
"This was such a memorable night. Truly"
Hey, Jade here. Thanks for visiting Backline Beat. If you like the site and would like to help support it, I’d be very grateful. Every little bit helps. Right now I’m an army of one, and would like at some point to be able to bring on other voices, to be a part of Backline Beat. Below, are links to Patreon, PayPal, and Linktree.
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Thanks again, and I can’t wait to grow this with you.
— Jade Dempsey