REVIEW: LANTERNS ON THE LAKE AT BRISTOL COOLER (23/11/11)
The Cooler on Park Street is one of the lesser known venues in Bristol but by no means is it lacking. Tonight, indie-folk darlings Lanterns on the Lake are gracing the stage with their Geordie presence. Now, I don’t know about you but the term ‘indie-folk’ has been thrown around at any band with a violin/acoustic guitar/girl combo, and instantly makes me shudder at the influence of Mumford and Sons. Lanterns on the Lake are slowly but surely shedding the affiliation and marking their own territory within the already overrun genre.
Signing to twee label Bella Union, the band have become known for their fusion of fragile folk with cinemascope rock, reminiscent of the Postal Service and a quieter Arcade Fire. After two well received EP’s and a host of performances including the BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury last year, Lanterns on the Lake finally released their debut album ‘Gracious Tide, Take Me Home’ earlier this year; a fitting name for a band full of grace and home comforts.
Pattern Theory are tonight’s support, complete with matching silver jackets. With a pint in tow, I lend them my ears for a song or two… much to my disappointment. It’s clear what the band are trying to do, adding synthesizers, xylophone and vibraphone to the standard line-up of guitar, bass and drums. However, the combination of this awkward electronic addition and the lead singer’s droning, slightly off key mumbling makes it an uncomfortable watch. Whether it was the fault of the sound engineer for the over bearing drums, or the band’s unsteady approach to their set, the support didn’t seem to get the crowd going one bit.
Lanterns on the Lake take to the stage at 9:30pm to a half filled room of eager audience members. It’s a shame that they’re not welcomed on by a sold out crowd, but the intimate setting proves an added charm to the band’s delicate approach to the show. They open with the first track from their debut album ‘Lungs Quicken,’ which sets the scene for the rest of the show. Their gentle addition of electronica, mixed with a beautiful array of violin, guitar and vocal compositions highlights Sigur Ros as a key influence.
They’re a band a few words, with Adam Sykes (vocals, guitar) only managing to address the crowd after the third song. It’s endearing yet charming, creating a somewhat alluring tension to the set. Once Sykes does pipe up, he is quick to ask the audience a favour, in the form of singing ‘Happy Birthday’ down the phone to his dear ol’ ma. It’s clear that although the band seem to be the strong silent types, an ask such as this proves that they’re still the down to Earth locals from the Newcastle music scene. The audience relish the task and Sykes is left ready for the next tune.
Playing an array of beauties from the album, each song invites the audience into the minds and souls of the band, channelling every emotion from every lyric. Singer and guitarist Hazel’s china-doll like appearance only aids to the simplicity and elegance of her vocal delivery whilst guitarist Paul Gregory is a valuable member of the band – his edgy and almost aggressive riffs give the band that extra boost that quickly steers them away from tiddly-tiddly indie-folk norms.
Lanterns on the Lake deliver a set worthy of many more ears; their sound creating an excitement in the crowd who know, come next year, these guys will be playing bigger and better venues. Look out Mumford and Sons, Lanterns on the Lake are going to steal the hearts of your believers.
Words and photo: Sammy Maine
