Lord Huron Breach The Astral Plane At The Roundhouse

by | Oct 27, 2018

Originally conceived as a solo moniker for frontman and band principle Ben SchneiderLord Huron – named after Lake Huron, one of the great lakes that provides a grand shoreline along Schneider’s home state of Michigan – evolved into their current four-piece formation as the 34-year-old filled out his live show setup. The now L.A.-based folk-rock/indie/Americana outfit received critical acclaim across their first two records via indie label IAMSOUND before jumping ship to major label Republic for this year’s Vide Noir.

Ben Schneider of Lord Huron (Kalpesh Patel)

And so, following a return to The Lexington earlier this year to celebrate the launch of their third record, Lord Huron return to North London to play their biggest UK show to date at London’s iconic Roundhouse venue.

Ben Schneider of Lord Huron (Kalpesh Patel)

The night is opened brilliantly by the shoegaze stylings and 1970’s attire of Argentine-born and London-raised Malena Zavala, definitely one to check out on her headline tour next spring. But it is the imminent arrival of quirky Schneider & co. that finally fills out the Roundhouse floor.

Malena Zavala (Kalpesh Patel)

The first movement of Vide Noir two-parter Ancient Names kicks off proceedings, the six-strong live ensemble bathed in a mix of darkness and green hues setting the Emerald theme of the album as the fast-paced tune sees Schneider bound about the stage.

Ben Schneider of Lord Huron (Kalpesh Patel)

Meet Me In The Woods and The World Ender take us back to 2015’s Strange Tales as the eccentric frontman shares his best Father John Misty, a trilby hat spending equal time on his head and the stage.

Ben Schneider of Lord Huron (Kalpesh Patel)

Vide Noir tune Back From The Edge slows down proceedings before Schneider addresses his audience for the first time of the night: “It’s so good to be back in London, how’ve you been? This is a hell of place, good to see you all” he says. “I’m not gonna chat too much” he promises us before tearing into Lonesome Dreams cut Ends Of The Earth.

Miguel Briseño of Lord Huron (Kalpesh Patel)

Following early ballad Ghosts On The Shore, a foot-stomping good time is had thanks to She Lit A Fire, the country-tinged harmonies leaving the Roundhouse abound with cheer at the true hoedown moment before the frontman abandons his guitar and roams the stage for 1950’s-styled Wait By The River.

Ben Schneider of Lord Huron (Kalpesh Patel)

Strange Trails cut Hurricane gives us another foot stomping moment before proceedings take a rockier turn by way of Vide Noir’s Never Ever. Secret Of Life is introduced as a song about black magic before bassist Miguel Briseño is brightly lit as he takes up position at a Theremin, adding spooky sounds to Way Out There. “I love watching him do that shit” Schneider chuckles, cooling his face with his hat.

Miguel Briseño of Lord Huron (Kalpesh Patel)

Debut record tunes La Belle Fleur Sauvage and Fool For Love bring back the country harmonies and rhythm, a few at the back of the Roundhouse’s main space with space to move taking the opportunity to incorporate twists and turns into their dancing as the Michiganian frontman takes time out to toss flowers out to his audience.

Ben Schneider of Lord Huron (Kalpesh Patel)

The second movement of Ancient Names rounds out the main set with its fast-pace and rockier tone in stark contrast to the majority of tonight’s music. Even as the band depart, we know it won’t be too long before they return. “If it suits you, we’ll play a few more” Schneider says to cheers as he returns.

Tom Renaud of Lord Huron (Kalpesh Patel)

Biggest hit The Night We Met, familiar to consumers of hit U.S. TV shows such as The Affair, 13 Reasons Why and The Flash, opens the group’s three-strong encore. And while the sombre ballad gets the biggest cheer of the night, it is certainly not the crescendo. A cover of Neil Young’s Harvest Moon is introduced by Schneider, before the night of music draws to a close with Lonesome Dreams song Time To Run.

Ben Schneider of Lord Huron (Kalpesh Patel)

Tonight, visitors of London’s Roundhouse, were taken on a two-hour escape from the increasingly chilly London to the sepia-tinged and earnestly melancholy Los Angeles of Ben Schneider’s Lord Huron. A land filled with heartbreak alongside celestial bodies in equal measures.

Ben Schneider of Lord Huron (Kalpesh Patel)

We were sad to learn that the frontman’s car was stolen last week while on tour but are quickly delighted to hear of its return today – sans licence plates but with a glass of wine added by the perpetrators. “So who wins, really?” the 34-year-old challenges. “When I get back home, I’m gonna drink the shit out of that wine!” And as the audience filter out of the former railway turntable engine shed, it’s hard not to feel uplifted by the experience.

Ben Schneider of Lord Huron (Kalpesh Patel)

Lord Huron round out their UK tour with stops in Sheffield, Gateshead and Liverpool before moving on to stops in Paris, Munich, Koln and Berlin.

Live review and photos of Lord Huron @ Roundhouse by Kalpesh Patel on 26th October 2018.

Perfect In Their Simplicity – Editors @ Brixton Academy

Frank Black @ The Palladium (Louise Phillips)

Frank Black Celebrates 30 Years Of ‘Teenager Of The Year’ At The London Palladium

Tonight was the final night of Pixies frontman Frank Black’s tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his classic solo album Teenager Of The Year, a tour that saw him performing the LP in full alongside most of the band that recorded the album originally.

Ocean Alley (Press)

Ocean Alley Return With Jangly Rock ‘N’ Roll Single ‘Left Of The Dealer’

Globally renowned Australian rockers Ocean Alley have unveiled their first single of 2025 – the jangly rock’n’roller Left Of The Dealer, out independently via Community Music. Accompanied by a surreal, technicolour video, the track is an ode to youthful recklessness and the inevitable consequences that follow.

Everyone Says Hi (Stewart Baxter)

Everyone Says Hi Are On The Same Side At Banquet Records

Four days after releasing their debut album, Everyone Says Hi dropped into the Kingston record shop to perform a short...
Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins @ The O2 (Kalpesh Patel)

Smashing Pumpkins Return To London For Massive Outdoor Show Alongside Skunk Anansie And White Lies

The Smashing Pumpkins have announced a huge open-air show taking place this summer at London’s Gunnersbury Park on Sunday 10th August 2025 alongside special guests Skunk Anansie and White Lies with more acts for the day still to be announced!

Sarah Klang (Fredrika Eriksson)

Sarah Klang Releases New LP Beautiful Woman

Sarah Klang has released her anticipated full-length album, Beautiful Woman. Produced by Eric D. Johnson (Fruit Bats, Bonny Light Horseman), Beautiful Woman sees Sarah use her own lived experiences to unpack the very essence of what it means to be a woman today.

Bryan Adams (Press)

Bryan Adams Drops ‘Roll With The Punches’ Ahead Of UK & Ireland Tour

Bryan Adams has released his brand new song, Roll With The Punches, via his own label, Bad Records. It is the title...
Imagine Dragons @ Hollywood Bowl (Andi Elloway)

Imagine Dragons Bring Hollywood Bowl Spectacle To UK Cinemas

Imagine Dragons fans around the world can experience the GRAMMY® Award-winning rock band’s record-breaking Hollywood Bowl residency like never before on Wednesday, March 26, and Saturday, March 29, courtesy of Trafalgar Releasing.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing