Tuesday, 21 February 2023

Gig Review: Lissie - Town Hall, Birmingham. Monday 20th February 2023

 

Lissie commented this evening that some folks have been coming to her shows for years, while for others it may be a first one. From personal insight this was the case tonight with the added group of those who fall somewhere in between. The latter applies to me as my introduction to her music was 2016's MY WILD WEST album and the subsequent gig towards the end of that year at Birmingham's Institute venue. This show was her first appearance at the lavish Town Hall and a commendable Monday night turnout of approximately half the capacity of a spacious venue dealt an atmosphere to soak up an animated and energetic show. She did play a distinct unique intimate show at the nearby Symphony Hall just prior to the pandemic when a limited audience watched a performance from the back of the stage with a stunning backdrop of a world class concert hall. Sadly I wasn't there. Couldn't get a ticket!

This Birmingham renewal sees a return to a full band line up. A rapturous support to fuel a high octane show of music spinning dinner plates of folk-rock, folk-pop, pop-rock and a saucer of singer-songwriter country. This current phase of Lissie is very canyon driven; a great metaphor for American music. CARVING CANYONS was the excellent 2022 album that re-ignited her original music and Crossing Canyons is the name of the tour that sees her once again come to a land far from her Illinois roots that has supported her well in the past.

This extensive night of city centre music started early at 7:30. A tough ask for those balancing a working and commuting life. A modest turnout greeted the first opening act Hannah Ashcroft from Manchester who teamed up on electric guitar with Sam Quinn to deliver a handful of lo-fi indie-folk numbers. More on this pair later. A few more entered the hall on the stroke of 8 to see the highly anticipated Canadian artist Cat Clyde. A new find from those reading reviews of her recently released album and sampling its quirky depths. She was backed by a bassist and drummer sporting a pair of splendid western shirts alongside providing a solid structure to a bunch of alluring songs flitting between an acoustic and electric lead. 30 minutes later you were left wanting more of this Ontario-based artist who met many of the ideals emanating out of 'Canadiana' music.

Lissie wasted no time in dipping into the new record by opening the main set with 'Unravel' the lead off track from CARVING CANYONS. This was a subtle first and second gear manoeuvre. Fourth, fifth and overdrive were in the pipeline. The band was in full complement - keyboard upfront, bass and drums at the rear. We were once again in the presence of Hannah Ashcroft on backing vocals and Sam Quinn on lead guitar. If the latter's opening stint was mere supportive, he gradually scaled monumental heights in the main set culminating in several sizzling solos. This become prominent in the climax.

During the early part of her set, Lissie switched between new songs and those well road tested. From the older material in the first half, 'Oh Mississippi' harks back to her roots and 'Don't You Give Up on Me' is a malleable classic from the time I discovered her music, and thoroughly enjoyed in many versions since. Lissie continues to evolve as a versatile vocalist. The trademark style of pushing the decibels comes and goes on stage. Likewise the overall sound to the latest record is more tempered and controlled. Maybe a result of dipping into Nashville's vast talent bank of recording guidance. By the time she was in full flow with crowd favourite 'In Sleep', it was shackles off. A buzzing artist strutting the stage milking the acclaim and in tune with a fanbase waiting for this moment to connect. 'Night Moves' from the new album maintained the momentum showing that Lissie still possesses the knack of dealing catchy uptempo numbers that effortlessly transmit from studio to stage.

Across a 70-minute stage time including two encore numbers - the ballad anthem 'Everywhere I Go' and the groovy finale 'Little Lovin' both from her recently re-released debut album CATCHING A TIGER - Lissie exuded boundless energy and a candid impression of being fully immersed in the moment. This is a multi-facetted artist able to court interest from a popular music side looking for a good night out to more discerning ears assessing where she sits on the spectrum of American music. The latter can be a tough undulating thought process, yet eased by a performer who rewards a depth of interest.

Earlier highlights from the setlist included older favourites 'Sleep Walking' and 'Best Days'. Although there was a significant leaning towards CARVING CANYONS AND CATCHING A TIGER for the obvious reasons, she did manage to include material from all her studio albums. No covers this time unlike her rendition of 'The River' at that December show six years ago. 

Set lists are never going to be personally curated, but there is a hope that on a future visit she includes 'Hearts On Fire' from the new record. This is heaven sent for the stage. Never mind, Lissie can put on a great show whichever songs she chooses from a back catalogue. While touring is never easy these days, hopefully the momentum from this fairly extensive run of UK dates has re-lit the fire and a return isn't as long as before. Future shows will no doubt attract new fans, just like 2023 has. Mind you those reminiscing the exciting new talent of the early 2010s are still likely to be at the front proclaiming their love. Long may Lissie reign and continue to perplex those trying to categorise her music.

www.lissie.com