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

James Morrison (Tom Oxley)

James Morrison Shares Stirring New Single ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Loved’ Ahead Of Sixth Album ‘Fight Another Day’

Fresh off the success of his comeback single Fight Another Day, James Morrison continues his triumphant return with a second taste of his upcoming album—The Man Who Can’t Be Loved—a soaring, soul-stirring piano ballad that’s classic Morrison through and through.

Jessie Murph (Press)

Jessie Murph Unveils New Single ‘Heroin’ And Details Sophomore Album ‘Sex Hysteria’

Breakout star Jessie Murph continues her meteoric rise with the release of Heroin, a vulnerable and emotionally...
Halestorm @ London Stadium (Kalpesh Patel)

Halestorm Ignite London Stadium With Ferocity, Heart, And An ‘Everest’ Taste Of What’s To Come

Opening for British metal legends Iron Maiden isn’t for the faint-hearted, particularly at the London Stadium—in front of 80,000 fired-up metal fans! But Halestorm have never been a band to flinch in the face of pressure. On Saturday night at London Stadium, the Pennsylvania rock veterans delivered a blistering, defiant set that not only won over the die-hard metal faithful but teased the future of a band still ascending.

Iron Maiden @ London Stadium (Kalpesh Patel)

Iron Maiden Keep On Trooping At London Stadium And Celebrate 50 Years At ‘Homecoming’

You have to feel a bit for Lzzy Hale and her band Halestorm this evening, warming up an Iron Maiden crowd is a...
Zach Bryan @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Bethan Miller-Carey)

Zach Bryan Brings Americana Thunder to BST Hyde Park 2025

BST Hyde Park 2025 roared into its second day with a headline set that will be etched into festival folklore. Zach Bryan, the Oklahoma-born troubadour, delivered a powerful 23-song performance that spanned his six-year career — and marked his triumphant arrival on the UK’s biggest outdoor stage.

Korn @ Download Festival XXII - Sunday (Carolina Faruolo)

Masks, Mayhem, And Metal Legacies: Korn Bring Download Festival XXII To A Triumphant, Tear-Up Finale

The third and final day of Download Festival XXII is here, and whilst we’re sad it’s almost over, we’ll save the mourning for tomorrow and dive headfirst into everything it’s got.

Billy Idol @ Wembley Arena (Kalpesh Patel)

Billy Proves He Is No False Idol, But A Truly Authentic One At Wembley Arena

Fresh from being well received at the inaugural Forever Now festival as well as a surprise appearance alongside...
Wide angle photo of Opus Stage and Arena at DownloadXXII

From Chaos To Catharsis: Sleep Token Silence The Doubters As Day Two Of Download Festival XXII Delivers Big Moments And Bigger Emotion

We’re back for Day 2 of Download Festival XXII. Would today live up to the great start we had yesterday? Let’s see…

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing