Larkin Poe, fronted by Georgia-born, roots-rock sisters Megan and Rebecca Lovell, stormed through Boston on Sunday, March 12 to perform at Royale with a blistering set of rock and roll stunners that were filled to the brim with glorious harmonies, rolling riffs, and slinky slide guitar. Touring in support of their magnificent record, Blood Harmony (2022), sisters Lovell were joined on stage by long-time bassist Tarka Layman and recent addition, Ben Satterlee, on drums. Together, the fierce foursome treated the audience to a healthy helping of songs from Blood Harmony, along with choice tracks from their robust catalog.
As Royale’s house lights dimmed, promptly at 9:30, the front of house pumped Cream’s “White Room” through the PA as a hypnotic pink neon circle illuminated the center of the stage. Bright white lights shot to the left and to the right as the band took their marks – all before strobes pulsated in a frenzy from the base of the stage. The sisters soon made their presence known with a beautifully orchestrated display of melodic fretwork, kicking the set off with “Strike Gold”, “Kick the Blues” and the undeniable barnburner, “Summertime Sunset” which allowed both Lovells to bathe in the spotlight while lighting it up on their respective axes.
Highlights came fast and furious throughout the night. The band gave a subtle nod to their roots as they harkened back to their earlier catalog with a handful of shiny nuggets that included the fiery “Preachin’ Blues”, the brawny “Self Made Man” and the gritty “Blue Ridge Mountains” There was plenty of groove-laden numbers as well. “Beach Blonde Bottle Blues”, a tasty cover of Link Wray’s “Rumble” and “Holy Ghost Fire”, brought the ‘tude in cool fashion.
Bringing the mood down a bit, Rebecca shared a personal story about how mental health has affected the Lovell family directly and its inspiration for “Mad as a Hatter”. Lovell used the opportunity to plead her case for more awareness and support for the growing crisis. The somber “Might As Well Be Me” was well-paired to follow “Hatter” before the band turned the heat back on and hypnotized its audience with the abrasive “Bad Spell”, the frenetic “Wanted Woman – AC/DC” and the raucous “Bolt Cutters” before leaving the stage for the presumed encore break.
The stage lights then went dark once again and the audience began loudly clamoring for more. After a short pause, the band emerged once again from the shadows as Layman and Satterlee played along with a backing track of guitars allowing both Megan and Rebecca to take center stage without their guitars. Clutching just a microphone each, the sisters held each other while they bellowed and wailed through the first half of Blood and Harmony’s opening track, the harrowing “Deep Stays Down”. For the second half of the song, the sisters donned their guitars once again and the whole band tore through the remainder of “Deep” – bringing the show to its conclusion.
Now Nashville transplants, the sisters have gained a great deal of attention and acclaim as it is well-deserved. Rebecca, takes on the majority of lead vocals all while balancing near-flawless fretwork. Her vocal prowess is beyond her age and can be downright jaw-dropping. Megan,
A.K.A. the Slide Queen has an uncanny presence with her lap steel guitar while expertly harmonizing with her sister as well. Together, they are an absolute powerhouse and joy to listen to. The sisters, along with Layman and Saterlee, make getting to this show worth every effort.
