Chad Neeves began the show at the Troubadour, Earls Court with a soulful and warming set. An intimate performance from this James Morrison like singer songwriter from London and one that eased the audience into the evening's music at one of the city's most famous and long standing venues.
Valentin Gerlier from Brussels was next up and proceedings took an intriguing and wholly pleasant turn. Valentin's music is reminiscent of Getz/Gilberto collaborations and gives rise to the sensation of cruising around the Amalfi coast in an open top Alfa Romeo. Complete with two female backing singers in tow the repertoire was akin distinctly to Tom Jones circa 1978. Valentin won the crowd over with a feel good but slightly comic style very rarely witnessed on the London scene, nevertheless highly credible.
The Lost Society were third on the bill and delivered an assured and consummate performance. With a hefty following on hand to help celebrate the recent release of their EP The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner were received rapturously.
"Wait For The Summer" opened the set, a blend of surf-country complete with Wurlitzer and Double bass. "Lonely" was up next with a distinctly Doors-like groove and darker, more Timber Timbre style undertones.
Next on the set list was the J.Tillman like "Misty Mountain Blue" displaying the more contemporary and challenging side to The Lost Society's repertoire. A work purporting to life as a travelling musician, songwriter Joseph James contemplates being on the road and the mixed feelings of joy and regret on returning home. A neat and infectious number, complete with delightful melodica in a characteristically poppy chorus.
The Lost Society hold the Troubadour stage well and have an air about them that comes with being seasoned perfomers. James interacts with the audience well, joking about recent band experiences and his recent solo shows at the Zenith concert hall in Paris.
Another of the contemporary country numbers follows. New song "Runaway," an ode to a nameless friend of James' is somber and touching in its space and simplicity and reminiscent of early Jesse Sykes. The subtle diminuendos at the end of each verse and the delicate piano fills mimic perfectly the up and down life of a lonesome and tortured soul on the run.
Final song on the setlist is the out and out country rocker "Flowers For Rosie." A crowd pleaser complete with bandoneon and sing a long chorus, 'Flowers' has become a signature song for a band who have a come along way towards developing their sound in a short period of time.
The crowd demand an encore and The Lost Society are called upon to perform the mysterious and alluring "Hot Tango Fever." A vaudevillian and tango like song in the style of Jim White with thudding double bass and hard hit snare display a hint of Latin music into the seemingly multi layered songwriting ability of Joseph James. Creepy keyboards, enticing guitars, rockabilly like crooning and seductive lyrics make this a cunningly written song performed superbly with all the traits of a well practiced act.
An engaging and highly enjoyable set from a cool and sophisticated sounding act. The Lost Society are currently performing all over the UK to promote their debut EP.
For More information and for FREE downloads of their music visit The Lost Society at www.thelostsocietymusic.com
For more information on country blues music in London visit: http://new-country-music.suite101.com/article.cfm/the-lost-society-and-the-rise-of-country-blues-music-in-london