As the voice of Lamb for almost ten years, Lou Rhodes' roots may have seemed planted in electronica but her break away from the band to begin a solo career in 2006 showed otherwise. The release of her début album, 'Beloved One', saw her turn the tables and reveal a softer, quieter and distinctly intimate style that resonated with acoustic and folk lovers and earned her a Mercury Prize nomination. Her second album, 'Bloom', was released in 2007 and is again a stark, honest record that deals in carefully crafted lyrical metaphors about love. After enjoying enormous success this past summer with a series of Lamb performances, Lou has also found the time to record her third solo album, 'One Good Thing', which will be released in March 2010.
Photos by Daniel Regan
As Lou walks confidently through the crowd I reach out and say hello, greeted by her warm smile and a hug. We've met before - some time in 2007, I think - at another solo event of hers in Bloomsbury. For me, it's a recognisable face, after all I have probably been to around ten Lamb gigs and I've always enjoyed photographing Lou, capturing the fragility she seems to create whilst singing. Her image is casual and comfortable - boots and jeans, minimal make-up and hair tied back. Her face is youthful and soft. It's her vibrant smile that melts away any possible superstar pretense - the archetypal smile of a close friend, a confidante, a mother. At a first take Bush Hall seems like a strange venue for someone so accomplished - perhaps a little small? Not that the venue isn't fitting with its elegant high ceilings, glamorous chandeliers and cosy space. As I think about it more I understand that this venue is perfect for Lou, whose ability to lure you into the intimacy of her most personal thoughts translates best in a smaller environment. The crowd here are relaxed, friendly and a mixture of all ages. Some have been here before, front row, whilst others are intrigued to hear what the voice of Lamb has to offer, stripped down without the beats.
Lou speaks calmly as she takes to the stage. "I've been down to the valleys and through the other side. I guess these songs reflect that," she notions, her voice a little husky, the tinge of her Manchester accent still present. As she begins to speak I can't help but wonder if others are having sudden flash backs to memories of Lamb. Her first track, 'There For The Taking' is a song dedicated to a friend who once felt lost in the world. Its positive message is drenched in hope and optimism - something that seems present in many of her new tracks. This is further evident in the title track from the new album, singing out "all it takes is one good thing to happen". The high chords of Rhodes' guitar are sporadically complimented by the accompaniment of the cello and double bass. Older songs such as 'The Rain' have been reborn - their tempo feels faster, upbeat, and their darkness lifted.
A feeling of contentment swoops down over the crowd and as I look around many of them are standing still, eyes closed. It's as stripped as it gets here - a woman, a guitar and her thoughts - and every now and again a smile will beam across someone's face. Her track 'Why Wait for Heaven' magnifies this sense of unity, an alternative Christmas track that focuses on the notion of religion more often than not dividing people rather than uniting. Her voice is so distinct that it's almost alien, so breathy, husky yet soothing that when she hits a long note it instantly transports you back to those inimitable tracks that made Lamb such a huge success. As we're treated to a variety of both older and new material, the set rolls delicately but fluidly from one track to another.
There's a sense of calm and serenity throughout the evening. Lou herself is collected in her appearance and presence whilst the crowd are both watching and listening intensely. With lyrics of such a personal nature there's always been an element of self-discovery in her music. From 'Beloved One' to 'Bloom', and now with 'One Good Thing', it seems that Lou's journey of self-exploration will continue to manifest itself musically - we just hope we're invited along for the ride...
Click here for Live Music events in London.
Click here for all events in London.
Termanology Denied Access To UK
UK Immigration must love turning our American rapper friends away at the gate, it happens quit...