Live Review:: Brandi Carlile w/ The Lumineers at The Norva – Norfolk, VA 06.30.12

NSD Posted On July 7, 2012

Folk Country Rocks at the Norva

On a hot summer night filled with toe tapping bluegrass sounds in the middle of the waterfront town of Norfolk that was transformed into a commune of backcountry sing-alongs and call and response. Denver, Colorado’s own The Lumineers opened to headliner Seattle based Brandi Carlile and her band. However, the show played like two headliners in one night. There is no doubt Norfolk got a taste of a mix of road music of the mountain and traveling road show genre like no other.

The Lumineers opened their set with “Submarines” a pounding and thumping tune that was followed by several songs off of their self-titled debut album. There is a bit of Dylan in their sound to the Band, a not so drone Tom Waits “Morning Song,” and even The Kinks “Dead Sea.” Sprinkled in between songs were a bit of songs on the mid-tempo side “Slow it Down” and tongue-in cheek “Classy Girls” and “Big Parade.” But the highlight of the band’s set was the single “Ho Hey” and “I Ain’t Nobody’s Problem” that got the audience reveled in much entertaining splendor.

Headliner of the night, Brandi Carlile returned to the Norva for her second show in support of her album “Bear Creek.” Her set began with a completely dimmed stage minus a lone Victrola playing in the background with the artist crackling through the speaker that sounded like Fats Waller or Jellyroll Morton. A few seconds later the band came on the stage to open with the albums first two tracks off the album “Hard Way Home” that indeed complimented the previous act and the rebel rousing “Raise Hell.” The band blended new songs “A Promise to Keep,” “100,” and “Keep Your Heart Young” within the set with several staples from her previous three albums of “Dreams,” “What Can I Say,” and the audience chorus participation moment of the show “Dying Day,” “Turpentine,” and “The Story,” which gained renowned popularity after its exposure on the show Grey’s Anatomy. And known for her love for 70s and 80s rock ballads and rock operas, Brandi did a cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The night ended with two encores, first with Brandi and the band sharing the stage with The Lumineers with the CCR classic “Down on the Corner,” and second, the electrifying “Pride and Joy” with its raunchy guitar duet and striking fiddle and cellos.

With a combination of folk, rock, and country, and stories in between, Brandi Carlile and The Lumineers performed an unforgettable night for new fans and die-hards alike. Their brand of music definitely had the crowd clapping, jumping, and yodeling.

VIDEO::
Brandi Carlile – “A Promise To Keep” (Live Norfolk, VA 6.30.12)

Brandi Carlile & The Lumineers – “Down On The Corner” (Live Norfolk, VA 6.30.12)