The Lumineers are an American folk rock band that rose to popularity in 2012 with their hit single “Ho Hey.” With their distinctive indie folk sound and raw emotional lyricism, they have developed a devoted fanbase that connects deeply with their music. But is their live show as good as their recordings? Let’s take a look at what fans and critics are saying about The Lumineers in concert.
What is The Lumineers’ performance style?
The Lumineers have an intimate, participatory performance style that makes audiences feel like part of the experience. They perform on a sparse stage, often dimly lit, with the band gathered around a single microphone. This creates an authentic, stripped down feel reminiscent of their busking days on the streets of Denver where the band got their start.
The band’s vocals and emotive piano melodies take center stage. With just core members Wesley Schultz on vocals and guitar, Jeremiah Fraites on piano, and Neyla Pekarek on cello, every note feels poignant. The raw urgency in Schultz’s voice makes the lyrics pierce listeners right in the heart. There are no flashy lights or choreography – it’s all about connecting directly to the crowd through the power of the music.
What’s the crowd atmosphere like?
The Lumineers attract an enthusiastic crowd that skews on the younger side, with many fans in their 20s and 30s. But their folk sound also appeals to older listeners who appreciate the nostalgic, revivalist tones.
The band has an extremely devoted following that knows every word to every song. Fans sing along loudly, even to lesser known tracks. The crowd is passionate and invested in the experience. There is invariably a lot of cheering, clapping, and raised hands swaying to the melodies.
The intimate setting makes every show feel like a communal experience, with a palpable bond between the band and the audience. Fans often say it feels like The Lumineers are playing just for them. The crowd atmosphere is infectiously excited, invested, and emotionally attached. Many fans are visibly moved to tears by the band’s gut-wrenching lyrics and Schultz’s raw vocals.
What do critics say about their live performance?
Professional critics consistently praise The Lumineers for their heartfelt, emotionally powerful live show. They emphasize the intimacy of the experience and how the band’s authentic delivery resonates in a live setting.
Alex Young at Consequence of Sound commends their ability to create “an environment that feels as emotionally open and vulnerable as Schultz’s sorrowful vocals.” The Toronto Star applauds their “tight, fervent folk rock laced with soul.”
Reviewers note how the band’s stripped down, sparse instrumentation allows their evocative lyrics and vocals to shine through. NBC News says, “it’s that combination of meaningful lyrics and emotional intensity that gives this band its soul.”
Critics also frequently note the passion and devotion of Lumineers fans singing along word-for-word at full volume. Pollstar calls fan reactions “hair-raising and spine-tingling moments.” Overall, reviews emphasize the emotional, cathartic nature of the live experience.
Setlist and stage production
The Lumineers have released four studio albums, so they have a sizable catalog to pull from when creating setlists. Their sets typically run about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
They play most of their radio hits and fan favorites like “Ho Hey,” “Cleopatra,” “Ophelia,” “Angela,” and “Sleep on the Floor.” They also mix in deeper cuts from each album to keep hardcore fans happy.
The stage production is simple, with minimal lighting and just a hanging backdrop with their logo. The band has no pyrotechnics or special effects – the focus stays on the music and lyrics. Occasionally Schultz approaches the front of the stage to connect more directly with fans.
While the production is stripped down, reviewers note their sincere delivery and tight musicianship keep the energy high and engaging from start to finish. The crowd often lingers after the set hoping for an encore.
Song | Album |
---|---|
Ho Hey | The Lumineers |
Cleopatra | Cleopatra |
Ophelia | Cleopatra |
Angela | III |
Gloria | III |
Sleep on the Floor | Cleopatra |
Submarines | The Lumineers |
Gale Song | III |
How is the sound quality?
Reviewers consistently praise the pristine sound quality at The Lumineers’ concerts. Their stripped down instrumentation allows each element to be heard clearly.
Schultz’s raw, emotive vocals cut through the mix beautifully. The piano and cello lines weave around his voice with crystalline clarity. The acoustic guitars ring out warmly but not overbearingly.
Critics note the balanced sound allows the band’s intricate arrangements and subtle musical interplay to shine through. The audio is crisp, intimate, and emotionally resonant. Fans say you can hear every catch in Schultz’s voice and delicate piano chord.
The band’s sound engineer keeps levels consistent whether you are front row or in the cheap seats. The live sound captures the heart and intimacy of their recordings for an exceptional listening experience.
How is the audience variety?
The Lumineers attract a fairly diverse crowd in terms of age and background. Here is a breakdown of their typical audience:
Gender: The crowd tends to be 60% female, 40% male. The band’s earnest lyricism and emotive style resonate strongly with many women.
Age: Most of the audience ranges from mid-20s to mid-40s. However, their timeless sound also draws older fans in their 50s and 60s. Younger fans in their teens and early 20s pack the standing general admission pit.
Background: Their audience is primarily white, reflecting the band’s indie folk roots. But their crossover success has helped them build more diverse appeal, drawing appreciable numbers of Hispanic, African American, and Asian fans.
In general their sincere sound, poetic lyrics, and folk revivalist style allow them connect across gender, generational, and ethnic lines for a fairly varied audience.
How are The Lumineers as performers?
Both critics and fans rave about The Lumineers as earnest, passionate performers. Schultz is an electrifying frontman who pours his entire being into each song. His raw, emotional vocals captivate the crowd. Fans say you can feel his pain and longing through every raspy shout and teary murmur.
Schultz also excels at crowd banter, sharing poignant stories behind songs that make the lyrics more personal and real. He has an easygoing, humorous rapport with fans between songs as well.
Jeremiah Fraites provides graceful piano accompaniment while harmonizing beautifully with Schultz. Neyla Pekarek’s cello adds melancholy texture and moving countermelodies.
Reviews note how organic and cohesive the trio sounds, with an instinctive musical chemistry. Their passion and conviction create a profound emotional experience for the audience. They excel equally at rousing foot stompers and hushed ballads.
How is the concert experience overall?
Most reviews and fan testimonials agree that The Lumineers deliver an incredible live concert experience. Their shows are heart-wrenchingly emotional, upliftingly cathartic, and profoundly intimate.
Their stripped down, earnest sound transfers beautifully into a live context. Schultz’s passion and vulnerability connect deeply with audiences. Singing along to poignant lyrics with thousands of fellow fans creates a feeling of community and kinship.
Critics and fans alike find the experience spiritually moving and unforgettably beautiful. While the production is simple, the emotional resonance runs deep. Light rocking foot stompers seamlessly give way to hushed, tear-jerking ballads. The balance of upbeat rhythms and melancholy lyrics satisfies the soul.
Concert goers say the experience stays with them long after leaving the venue. For fans of earnest indie folk, The Lumineers deliver a powerfully cathartic live show that exceeds expectations.
Setlist highlights
Longtime fans say The Lumineers consistently deliver amazing performances of their most beloved songs. Here are some of the highlights that generate the most crowd excitement and sing-alongs:
– “Ho Hey” – Their breakout hit always ignites the crowd with its catchy, infectious chorus. The foot stomping rhythm gets everyone moving.
– “Ophelia” – This soaring, melodic track gives Schultz a chance to open up his impressive vocal range as fans belt out the chorus.
– “Cleopatra” – The emotional, narrative-driven title track of their second album captivates the audience every time.
– “Angela” – The piano ballad builds to a raw, shouting chorus where Schultz channels all his pain and passion to euphoric effect.
– “Sleep on the Floor” – This uptempo, driving rocker consistently gets fans jumping and singing the wordless melody at the top of their lungs.
These songs, along with fan favorites like “Submarines,” “Dead Sea,” and “Gloria” generate the most intense audience reactions and vocal involvement.
How is the Lumineers’ connection with the crowd?
By all accounts, The Lumineers have an extremely strong bond with their fans, and they cultivate a warm, inclusive vibe during their shows.
Schultz takes time to share openhearted stories behind many songs, making the experience feel intimate. He maintains earnest, appreciative eye contact with crowd members.
Between songs, Schultz exudes humble grace, thanking fans for changing their lives and supporting their musical journey. He takes pride in their grassroots success.
The band seems genuinely moved when the crowd belts out every word with heartfelt emotion. Long instrumental breaks let the audience clap and sing freely.
Schultz often steps down to the pit to put his arm around beaming fans as they all sing together. After shows, the band stays to meet fans and take photos.
The small venue settings and focus on connecting through lyricism fosters a rare musical communion between The Lumineers and their impassioned fans.
How are The Lumineers as musicians?
The Lumineers deliver intricate, melodic folk rock with impressive musicality and vocal power. Though the instrumentation is stripped down, reviewers note their sound is textured and dynamic.
Schultz’s raw yet nuanced vocals impress critics. He moves nimbly from fragile falsetto to full-throated shouts, imbuing each lyric with emotion. His vocal phrasing adds narrative shape to songs.
Jeremiah Fraites proves himself an elite pianist, blending virtuosic solos, elegant melodies, and subtle counterpoints. Neyla Pekarek’s cello adds haunting atmospheric tones.
Critics praise their instincts for dramatic buildups and subtle instrumental flourishes. Songs swell gracefully from hushed verses to rousing choruses with shades of light and dark. There is a stirring musicality behind the earthy folk sound.
Their musical skills capture the euphoric heights and melancholy depths of human emotion through deceptively simple folk arrangements. Each member shines as a talented instrumentalist with keen emotional resonance.
How is the venue and environment?
The Lumineers favor mid-size theaters and arenas holding 2,000 to 5,000 people. This preserves an intimate feel while allowing them to play to enough fans.
Venues are standing general admission in front of the stage and reserved seating in the back and on balconies. Some venues place chairs on the main floor for those wanting to sit. Bars and concessions are readily available.
The environment is welcoming and friendly. Fans exchange stories while waiting for the band to come on. Many wear Lumineers shirts and sing along to the overhead playlist.
Once the show starts, the crowd packs in shoulder to shoulder swaying, dancing, and belting out lyrics in unison. Strangers become kindred spirits through shared love of the music.
The dim, cozy bars and well-worn theaters match the band’s earthy, earnest vibe. The small scale creates a communal, almost spiritual concert experience.
How is the opening band?
The Lumineers tend to bring along emerging folk and Americana artists who match their vibe as supporting acts. Some typical openers over the years have included:
– Langhorne Slim – Folky singer-songwriter with passionate vocals and lyrics. Creates an inspiring, sing-along environment.
– Caamp – Melodic Ohio folk-pop duo with beautiful vocal harmonies. Their sound is both dreamy and driving.
– The Lone Bellow – Brooklyn based trio with gospel-tinged Americana songs and soaring anthems.
– JD & The Straight Shot – Americana blended with bluesy rock n’ roll edge. Features Jim Dolan, owner of The Lumineers’ label Dualtone Records.
– Susto – South Carolina band blending alt-country, indie rock, and Latin influences into textured Americana.
These acts complement The Lumineers’ vibe nicely. Fans say the openers chosen always align with The Lumineers’ authentic sensibility and get the crowd energized.
Conclusion
In summary, The Lumineers put on an amazing, cathartic live show centered on emotional connection with the audience. Their earnest delivery and powerful vocals shine in an intimate theater setting. Longtime fans sing along passionately while new listeners find themselves moved to tears. Critics and audiences alike praise the raw intimacy achieved through their melodic folk rock sound. Concertgoers leave feeling spiritually uplifted by the sincere communion of the experience. For fans of heart-on-your-sleeve indie folk, The Lumineers deliver an unforgettable live concert on par with their beloved recordings.