Lord Huron: Desert Soundscapes Under the Stars
Lord Huron is a band that feels genuine, real, and true. Every word they say, chord they play, and image they present strikes hard and true. Singer/guitarist Ben Schneider shows himself to be a genuine and honest human being, whether it’s through his charming admiration of Canada, such as the mythical qualities of Toronto (or the Poutine truck) or because of his shameless and passionate dance moves. Behind him is a band just as genuine and true as he; a band that believes in every note they play. This band sings their truth, and you can feel that truth resonate within the crowd.
In spite of the overhanging skyscrapers that surround the RBC Echo Beach stage, Lord Huron makes you feel more connected to nature than one could ever be in the midst of the concrete jungle. There is a love and understanding of the natural world that makes you feel as though you yourself are standing in the wilderness yourself. There is a sense of history and spiritual connection, as though the earth itself is powerfully speaking through them.
The stage was set with scenes of desert rock, cacti, and a big overhanging sun, with an ambient soundscape droning in the background. The group emerged from the wings of the stage, and as they burst into their first song, the stage awoke. All of the scenery lit up in wondrous colour and brought to life a beautiful and powerful image of a band playing their hearts out in the midst of a desert wasteland.
The band was supported by ‘First Aid Kit’, which brought a fantastic folk energy to the stage. Between the heartfelt vocals, exceptional guitar work, and melodic songs, they brought an amazing presence to the stage. They performed nearly 50 minutes of fantastic original material, and one very moving cover of ‘The Boys of Summer’. First Aid Kit put on a show so good that Ben Schneider (Lord Huron vocalist) insisted we give them not one, but three rounds of applause, confirming the notion of them being the perfect opening act for ‘Lord Huron’.
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Photographs by Abby Kompare
Review by Sean Bienhaus
