Curse of Lono

Don’t ask me to explain in any detail why I am crazy about this band, but I am. I don’t even know if I could nail what particular genre they are, they’re certainly not full-fledged Blues, not a rock band though their rhythms get under your skin, like shingles; maybe alt-Country is as close as you’ll get but I urge you, listen first before you run away from the “c” word.

So, after being thoroughly hooked after catching their set opening for Low Cut Connie last December, I was a bit disappointed when the late Spring tour was shaping up that no N.East show was on the cards until a return to Gateshead Sage was listed, opening for Steve Earle as part of the SummerTyne Festival. Okay, so £35 to see a true legend and half an hour of my best find of 2017 it looked like it may have to be. Then, those lovely people who organise the Jumpin’ Hot gigs up here gave the Lono gang the closing slot on their stage on the Sunday evening.

And that’s what you call a no-brainer; spending a glorious summer’s afternoon, on the banks of the Tyne, soaking up a convivial atmosphere, mouth-watering aromas from the street-food vendors (fantastic burgers!!), sipping Pimms to keep cool while baking one’s brains out at 30C and enjoying a wide selection of quality Americana based music from solo country singers to “pop-up” choirs to a very bouncing and raucous jumpi’ duo Hymn For Her.

However, it was Curse of Lono I was there to see, and they took to the outdoor stage just as the sun was dipping over the proverbial yardarm (I’ll let the squad at HMS Caliope, just below the Sage, explain that one….). The stage the were playing on may not have been much bigger than my previous experience down in Cluny2 but the audience was easily 20times bigger which didn’t seem to throw the gang in black. Thing about Lono, they don’t explode onto the stage, they just sort of “happen” and just build and build as they roll through their set; however, with a good vantage point you separate the elements, Dani on keys really shines in his piano solo on London Rain, but the atmospherics he creates with his growing home-made trick box (part theramin, part mini-moog) and the sounds he get from the small harmonium are a solid cornerstone to the bands sound. Equal as vital, on the other side of the stage is the heavy “twanging” of Charis’s bass around which Neil at the back weaves very lithe drum patterns, a sort of role-reversal. So up front, that leaves Joe space to fire off some blistering lead guitar around Felix’ rhythm and vocals.

This time, their set nudged 1 hour, with no covers but several very tasty new songs from their upcoming new album, including one that has been several years in gestation from Felix’ previous band, all in-between favourites from the Severed album. So here’s hoping for the next tour, and a stop-off in my bailiwick.

Just seen that CoL are down to support Samantha Fish on her May tour.

Been a bit of a dilemma here as Samantha's Gateshead date clashes with Ana Popovic playing over the river at Newcastle Cluny; then  it swung Ana's way, announcing Ben Poole as support... Now though, much as I like Ben who we don't see in these parts too often, CoL are swinging it for me.

Newcastle Cluny - 18th Oct

Absolute treat of a show last night at an all but sold-out Cluny when Curse of Lono paid their first visit as headliners. Their last appearance in the venue was almost two years ago, as support to Low Cut Connie, so they, and a few punters were surprised not only to be in the big room, but to have almost 200 people out to see them on a Thursday evening… But, as the guy who supplied the band’s name once said, “buy the ticket,  take the ride”.

Opener for the show was band’s friend John Murry, who just sort of ambled on stage, looked like he was tuning and caught everyone out (even the sound guy) by launching into the first of several solo, acoustic numbers before being joined on stage by the Lonos for a final couple of numbers. How to describe Mr. Murry? You remember that sort of unknown act Annie Nightingale used to sneak on us during her Whistle Test tenure? That’s what I’m thinking… Clearly by some of the audience reaction,  he’s obviously something of a “cult” figure, but like most cult figures, something of an acquired taste, to which I can only add that it seemed apparant by his shambolic manner, he’d acquired a taste for something, either not-exactly-legal or in unhealthy quantities. Each to their own…

As for Curse of Lono, when they re-hit the stage with Felix in his rightful place, at the helm, they took the Cluny and OWNED it. As soon as Charis started the chugging bassline for Blackout Fever, they had the audience held as Felix wove his lyrical stories.

Just such a great, tight band, great harmonies when they come together,  but as separate musicians each is top rate; Dani on keys shows versatility hopping between old-school harmonium and some sort of home-made mini-Moog come Theramin; Joe provides solid rhythm then steps forward with serious licks and scorching slide; Neil’s drum patterns compare with Charlie Watts; Charis demonstrates nice girls play bass too, as well as guys and Felix, he’s found a style, between Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits and Lou Reed. This isn’t a band that will bludgeon you into submission with volume and speed, instead they have an almost hypnotic beat that you’re not aware of until they subtly change gear and you find your feet tapping out of time.

If things did dip, it was only for a couple of songs when John Murry was invited back on stage for a couple of numbers; like indulging a “worse-for-wear” relative at a wedding bash. However, Lono picked it back up, and then some with their romp for home triple whammy - Don’t Look Down; Pick Up The Pieces and Valentine.

A storming night overall and the rate these guys have gained a following, next time round I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the Riverside where they call in. Best vindication I can give I went along with three friend, only one of them had encountered the Lonos before, but all of them “go it”, think they’re as hooked as I’ve been for the last couple of years.

John Murry is originally from Tupelo, currently based in Ireland, I think.  CoL are based in London: well worth catching these guys.