LANY // BECKETT UNIVERSITY STUDENT'S UNION, LEEDS
Three-piece band LANY rolled into Leeds as part of their colossal seven month world tour on the back of their recent ‘difficult’ second album release ‘Malibu Nights’ and the packed appreciative crowd at Leeds Beckett University loved every minute of their set.
LANY PERFORMING AT BECKETT UNIVERSITY STUDENT’S UNION, LEEDS - 11.03.2019
PICTURE BY: JOHN MCEVOY PHOTOGRAPHY
★★★★★
First up it was the recently formed ‘Lovely The band’ from Los Angeles who provided support, and their American Indie pop style was well received. They are still very early in their careers, but already they have racked up huge sales with their single ‘Broken’, a guitar heavy tune with an irresistible chorus which had the crowd singing along. This 3 piece are clearly an astute bunch having supported 5 Seconds Of Summer late last year, and their profile clearly is set to rise in the coming 12 months. It was only a short set from them, but this is a band who stand out in a packed field of identikit indie kid bands. Check out their debut album ‘’Finding it hard to smile’ for evidence that this band are certainly moving in the right direction.
I must confess that LANY (LOS ANGELES NEW YORK) haven’t been on my musical radar, but tonight I witnessed a performance from a band that have outstanding musical ability, and in their front man Paul Jason Klein charisma in bucketloads. When on the road they tour as a four piece with the addition of synths to add to their live performance.
The excitement in the crowd was skilfully built up with a huge backlighting system counting down the seconds, and there was a huge reception for them as they arrived and went straight into ‘Thick and Thin from their second album ‘Malibu Nights’. Have to say that the backbeat to this instantly made me think of Run DMC and ‘Walk This Way’ which is intended as a compliment by the way. In their vocalist, they have a man who is clearly at home on stage and immediately built up a rapport with this audience. Coming down into the audience always helps of course and the girls at the front had their chance to throw the flowers to him that they had been clutching all night!
During the evening he proceeded to cover every inch of the stage, clambering up onto stacks and at times it seemed in danger of becoming a parkour exhibition.
This band however are much more than just another American Indie band, whilst a lot of their tracks, ‘Taking me back’ and ‘I Don’t wanna Love you more’ are all about love lost, break ups and make ups, but they are delivered with real style and due to the bounce along nature of their frontman, they stay just the right side of being too saccharine sweet.
Synth heavy ‘Made in Hollywood’ with its insistent back beat and soaring vocals was a particular highlight for this reviewer. ‘Hericane’ from their debut album ‘LANY’ with it’s cut back vocals, huge chorus, subsonic bass and stark lighting was another track that showcased just how good vocally their frontman is and who doesn’t love a major to minor chord key change!
Slow ballads, catchy dance tunes, a light show that was visually striking (tough to photograph though!) all combined to showcase a band, comfortable in their own skins, know how to write a decent tune and judging by the punishing tour they are currently on, are not afraid of hard work. These are all clear indications that this band are set to genuinely be a big deal, and stadium gigs may not be too far away. Whether that’s a good thing or not, I’ll let you decide.
If you’re luck enough to be in America, Australia or Japan over the next few months, do yourselves a favour and see a band who in my opinion are heading towards the bit time.
SETLIST: | LANY : LEEDS UNIVERSITY STUDENT’S UNION - 11.03.2019
Thick and Thin
Good Girls
4EVER!
Yea, Babe, No Way
I Don’t Wanna Love You Anymore
Taking Me Back
Made in Hollywood
Hurts
Run
Valentine’s Day
If You See Her
The Breakup
Pink Skies
Hericane
Super Far
Malibu Nights
ENCORE:
Thru These Tears
ILYSB