Larkin Poe, Auckland NZ, 2023

Larkin Poe

13th April 2023
Powerstation, Auckland, New Zealand

Review by Bridget Herlihy with photography by Doug Peters.

The act of casting a spell involves words being carefully chosen in order to affect, intrigue or delight an individual or a group of people. In a performance that paid homage to southern blues and rock, and the power of live music, sister duo Larkin Poe left the audience at the Powerstation on Thursday night completely spellbound.

It can be a rare occurrence to have high expectations for a show, only to have those expectations surpassed to such a level that one can almost feel their jaw hitting the floor in sheer awe of brilliance of the conjuring of sonic magic. Seeing Larkin Poe live is one such instance.

Almost four years since selling out their debut shows in New Zealand in 2019, Larkin Poe have jetted back to the land of the long white cloud for another visit, playing shows in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, hot on the heels of an acclaimed performance at the Byron Bay Bluesfest last week.

Originally hailing from Georgia, and currently based in Nashville, sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell have spent the last 13 years charming audiences with their seductive blues and roots infused rock. One could say that the sisters are musical alchemists, conjuring sonic magic with their alluring blend of blues, roots, southern rock, slide guitar and the most exquisite of harmonies.

Local folk-rock musician Mema Wilda warmed up the eclectic crowd with an energetic set of original material, clearly in her element rocking out with her acoustic guitar and band. Wilda’s energy and unrelenting passion for her craft were evident, and kept the crowing throng of music enthusiasts entertained.

After a brief break Cream’s ‘White Room’ heralded the arrival of the much-adored Lovell sisters and their band onstage, with Rebecca Lovell asking “Are you in the mood for some rock n roll this evening?! Are you in the mood for some rock n roll every evening?!” With a resounding yes from the crowd Larkin Poe kicked off a frenetic 90 minute set with ‘Strike Gold’ from their latest album ‘Blood Harmony”; a performance that was nothing short of mesmerising.

From the outset it was a performance that paid homage to their musical roots, specifically musical traditions of Georgia and Tennessee; a lot of bluegrass, vocals partly inspired by childhood gospel singing, guitars, and of course, playing the blues.

It is difficult to put into words the experience of Larkin Poe live; it really is something that needs to be experienced first-hand. The highlights of their performance came thick and fast, including mind-blowing cover of ‘Preachin Blues’ featuring a rousing and haunting solo from Megan on slide guitar, in one of the most exquisite performances I have ever had the good fortune of experiencing. ‘Southern Comfort’ was as smooth as the whiskey their adopted state is famous for, and the balladesque ‘Mad Hatter’ was perhaps one of the evening’s most poignant moments. It was a night of pure, unadulterated guitar playing genius, and it was pure bliss. The killer riff of ‘Bad Spell’ from Bloody Harmony (written by Rebecca about Screaming Jay Hawkins) just about lifted the roof of the venue, and the hard rock ‘Wanted Woman – ACDC’ was absolutely auralgasmic. An encore of ‘Deep Stays Down’ and a surprise appearance by fellow blues musician Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram (who is playing at the Powerstation on Friday night) for a rousing cover of Robert Johnson’s ‘Come On In My Kitchen’ proved that live music really doesn’t get much better than this.

One should never think twice about grabbing an opportunity to experience Larkin Poe in the flesh. This was a world-class performance that not only conjured magic, but sent many a shiver down the spine of those in the room with their musical and vocal prowess. Larkin Poe are most definitely a band that has to be seen and heard in person to fully appreciate the magnitude of their brilliance.

Larkin Poe have two more shows in New Zealand on this tour – tonight (14th April) at the Hunter Lounge in Wellington, and tomorrow (15th April) at Christchurch’s James Hay Theatre. Tickets to both shows are still available, so head on down and rock out – you can thank us later!

Larkin Poe:

Larkin Poe

Mema Wilda:

Were you there at the Powerstation for this brilliant roots rock gig? Or have you seen Larkin Poe perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Set List:

1. Strike Gold
2. Kick the Blues
3. Summertime Sunset
4. Preachin’ Blues [Son House cover]
5. She’s a Self Made Man
6. Southern Comfort
7. Holy Ghost Fire
8. Back Down South
9. Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues
10. Blue Ridge Mountains
11. Mad as a Hatter
12. Might as Well Be Me
13. Bad Spell
14. Wanted Woman – AC/DC
15. Bolt Cutters & The Family Name
16. Deep Stays Down [encore]
17. Come On in My Kitchen (with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram) [Robert Johnson cover][encore]

_{Note: Ambient Light was provided passes to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only.}

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