On May 12th, Boston welcomed Larkin Poe, comprised of The Lovell Sisters, for another round of Georgia-blues influenced rock and roll at the historic Wilbur Theatre. Touring in support of their latest sonic tapestry ‘Bloom’, Rebecca and Megan stepped onto the stage, bathed in a warm, inviting glow, ready to unfurl their unique brand of gritty, soulful blues-rock. Without preamble, they launched into the driving energy of “Nowhere Fast”, immediately setting a high-octane pace for the evening. Rebecca’s powerful vocals soared above Megan’s intricate lap steel guitar work, a potent combination that grabbed the audience by the collar and refused to let go.
The initial segment of their set was a masterclass in dynamic shifts and captivating storytelling. After “Nowhere Fast”, the mammoth, blues-infused swagger of “Summertime Sunset” followed with its slow-burning intensity washing over the venue like a hazy summer evening. Megan’s slide guitar wailed with a raw emotion that perfectly complemented Rebecca’s evocative lyrics, painting vivid pictures in the minds of the captivated listeners. This powerful display was then seamlessly followed by a harmony-drenched double dose of pure musical bliss. “Bluephoria” shimmered with an ethereal quality, the sisters’ voices blending in a way that sent shivers down the spine, while “Mockingbird” offered a more upbeat, foot-tapping groove, showcasing their versatility and innate musical connection.
The energy shifted to a more intimate and reflective space as the set progressed. The stage transformed as Rebecca and Megan took center stage with acoustic guitars in hand, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This mid-set interlude offered a beautiful contrast to the electric fervor that had come before. Their rendition of “Southern Comfort” was stripped down and raw, allowing the poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery to resonate truly. “God Moves” and a deeply personal take on “Mad Hatter” proved to be emotionally moving for Megan, Rebecca, and the audience, who clearly related to Lovell’s experience with mental health within their family.
What followed was a testament to Larkin Poe’s exceptional musicianship and their uncanny ability to reinterpret familiar tunes. Their cover of John Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” was revelatory. They managed to infuse the song with their signature bluesy grit and soulful harmonies, transforming it into something distinctly their while still honoring the original’s inherent charm. It was a masterful display of their artistic vision, a skill they have honed throughout their career, consistently breathing new life into beloved classics.
As the evening climaxed, Larkin Poe returned to their electric instruments, a palpable surge of energy coursing through the venue again. They went for the jugular with a dramatic and compelling sequence of new and cherished songs. The brooding intensity of “Deep Stays Down” sent tremors through the room, followed by the fierce and unapologetic swagger of “Wanted Woman”. The air crackled with the raw emotion of “Pearls,” and its vulnerability lay bare through Rebecca’s impassioned vocals and Megan’s slide guitar prowess. The tension continued to build with the defiant and powerful “Bolt Cutters and the Family Name,” a track that showcased their ability to blend sharp storytelling with a potent musical punch. Each song in this electrifying segment was delivered with an unwavering conviction, leaving the audience breathless and yearning for more.
After the band gave an initial wave goodbye and left the stage, the anticipation for the encore was palpable as cheers and applause echoed throughout the venue. Larkin Poe did not disappoint, returning to the stage to deliver a poignant and resonant “Bloom Again” performance from their latest album. The song served as a perfect culmination of the evening, its hopeful melody and heartfelt lyrics leaving a lasting impression on the captivated audience.
Throughout the performance, Rebecca and Megan Lovell’s undeniable chemistry was a constant source of fascination. Their intuitive musical connection, honed through years of playing together, was evident in every note and harmony they sang. They moved seamlessly between instruments, their voices intertwined in a way that only siblings can achieve, creating a sonic tapestry that was both powerful and deeply moving.
