Review by Emily, We7 PR Guru
There isn't a normal day in the life of Lou Rhodes; her world is split between 2 lives; on one hand she's an artist, a musician, a singer/ songwriter, she moves between gigs, festivals and interviews. On the other hand she is a full time single mother of 2 children, taking them to school, and generally living a normal family life.

October 24. Lou Rhodes. Bloomsbury Theatre

Tonight Lou Rhodes kicked off the first live gig since releasing her second album 'Bloom' at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London; and her devoted loyal fans were there in full force. The venue, the lovely Bloomsbury Theatre, part of University College London. was plush and intimate. The perfect backdrop...

Without fanfare or fuss, but to loud applause, she entered the stage with the other 4 band members - Stephen Junior (guitar and backing vocals), Sarah Liew (violin, backing vocals), Andy Hamill (double bass) and Emre Ramazanoglu (drums and percussion). Her guitar round her neck, a quick 'hello', and she was straight into the dramatic, driving new single "The Rain" - "I know a man with the world on his shoulders...". More organic than the recorded version and featuring drummer Emre in fine percussive form, we are instantly drawn into Lou's deep, intense delivery and expression. We are in no doubt that she means and feels every word from start of the set to the finish.

Next up is another new track "All We Are" and over the next 90 minutes we are treated to highlights from her excellent new album "Bloom", past favourites from her debut Mercury Prize nominated album "Beloved One", as well as the rousing "Gabriel" from her days in Lamb.

Rhodes projects a serious, intense and sincere presence - she writes and sings from the heart, and as she teases us about herself, she might not be alone now if she loved less deeply! And as the first show of the tour, she is feeling a bit nervous too - "I'm a bit shaky up here..." she says. Later she tells us she is not playing the guitar very well tonight. And she is distracted when some people leave for the toilet. But for the audience, nothing can detract from being drawn into her raw emotion and poised presence...at moments you could hear a pin drop.

"Never Loved A Man (Like You)" was raw and emotional; "Tremble" was frisky and fun; "Icarus" was harmonious and inspiring - "caution is not my middle name when it comes to love...". "Bloom" was reflective and mellow - "there's a time when independence feels a lot like loneliness..."

Every song with its own story, texture and space, is enhanced with tender loving care from a talented and versatile band committed to exploring unusual acoustic soundscapes, especially star drummer/percussionist Ramazanoglu. A few songs in, and Lou ditches her guitar and is joined onstage by her stepfather Graham Burton on guitar. The backing becomes fuller and Rhodes, centre stage, still demands our attention whilst hardly moving at all, a fragile serious songstress with eyes closed.

"Can I whisper in your ear... a secret for every soul to hear... so simple that we forget… and hide away instead..."

A 13-song set with 3 more in the encore, and the audience leaves satisfied and joyous. Rhodes the perfectionist will see it as a typical 1st night gig, feeling her way through new songs... but for her devoted fans, it was a rare chance for a treasured audience with their favourite folk chanteuse... "You rock Lou" shouted one fan midsong. And the love and respect of her fanbase was clear for all to see...

Set List

the rain
all we are
tremble
each moment new
never loved a man
save me
bloom
icarus
why
beloved one
gabriel
greatness
they say
sister moon
lullaby
chase all my winters away

We7 is proud to be working directly with Lou and her team to bring you exclusive live tracks from her Bloomsbury concert. These 6 tracks are not available anywhere else.

 

Read our exclusive Lou Rhodes interview