[Review] Larkin Poe @ Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne 10/04/2023

When you attend a Larkin Poe concert, you know you're in for a wild ride. The sisters, Rebecca and Megan Lovell, are known for their electrifying performances and their ability to get the crowd on their feet. Their concert at the Croxton Bandroom in Thornbury as part of the Bluesfest Festival was no exception.

First up to entertain the packed bandroom was the indigenous singer/songwriter, Benny Walker, hailing from regional Victoria, he effortlessly warmed up the crowd alongside his band mates on drums and keys, with his own brand of blues rock that did not disappoint.

Next up, the sisters the crowd had been waiting for started off with a bang as Larkin Poe took the stage and launched into Strike Gold, a fiery and infectious track that showcases the sisters' incredible musical talent and songwriting skills. The song opens with a pulsing drumbeat and Rebecca's soaring vocals, immediately drawing the listener in.

Lyrically, Strike Gold is a celebration of the sisters' journey as musicians, and their determination to continue creating music despite any obstacles they may face. The line "ain't nobody gonna stop us now" is a testament to their resilience and their refusal to give up on their dreams.

Summertime Sunset, She’s a Self-Made Man & Southern Comfort from their latest album release Blood Harmony features their signature blues-rock sound with gritty guitar riffs and dynamic vocals which seemed to leave the crowd begging for more.

Watching Larkin Poe perform Link Wray's Rumble was an exhilarating experience, as the Lovell sisters brought their unique blend of blues and rock to this classic track. As they launched into the iconic riff, the audience erupted in cheers and applause, and it was clear that these sisters had the power to bring any crowd to it’s feet. But what really stood out was the sheer fun these girls were having on stage.  Overall, the sister’s rendition of Rumble was a testament to their incredible musicianship and their ability to breathe new life into classic tracks. They know how to rock, and they do it with an infectious energy and sense of joy that is impossible not to be swept up in.

After a quick shout-out to Benny Walker for getting the crowd warmed up, Rebecca spilled the beans on their track Holy Ghost Fire. Apparently, it was co-written with one of their favourite songwriters, Tyler Bryant, lead vocalist and guitarist of Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown. It's always nice to have a little help from your friends, especially when they know how to bring the heat like Tyler does.

Larkin Poe's performance of Back Down South was a wild and energetic affair. The band's Southern blues-rock sound was in full force, with Rebecca's powerful vocals and Megan's nimble guitar work setting the stage for, what was fast becoming, an unforgettable show. As they launched into the song's infectious chorus, the crowd couldn't help but sing and clap along, caught up in the song's irresistible energy. The band's chemistry was profound, with the sisters locking in tight on the song's intricate guitar lines and vocal harmonies.

Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues from Larkin Poe’s 2018 album Venom & Faith, was a highlight of their set, showcasing the band's bluesy swagger and tight musicianship. The song's driving rhythm and catchy hooks had the crowd on their feet from the first note, with Rebecca's gritty vocals and Megan's scorching guitar solos stealing the show. As the song ended, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. It was a reminder of the enduring appeal of classic rock and roll, and a testament to the band's talent and musicianship.

Larkin Poe's impromptu performance of Mad as a Hatter was a testament to the band's musical prowess and spontaneity. An audience member's request was met with enthusiastic applause, and the sisters wasted no time in launching into the song's infectious groove. This song, originally written about their grandfather when the sisters were 15, carries quite the powerful statement from a band that refuses to shy away from difficult topics, and is a testament to their incredible musicianship and passion for their craft. Mad as a Hatter was like a shot of musical adrenaline straight to the veins - exhilarating, intense, and just a little bit mad.

As the concert drew to a close, Larkin Poe kept the energy high with a rowdy performance of another song from their new album, Boltcutters & The Family Name. The crowd sang along at the top of their lungs while Rebecca shredded on her guitar with reckless abandon. As the song came to a close, the audience erupted into cheers and applause, clearly moved by the electrifying performance.

And just when everyone thought the concert was over, Larkin Poe returned to the stage for an encore. The performance of Deep Stays Down was a poignant and emotional way to close out their show. As the sisters took to the stage for their final song of the night, sans guitars, the audience was spellbound by the raw emotion and vulnerability that the Lovell sisters poured into their vocal performance before adorning their instruments for the final time that night.

As the final notes of Deep Stays Down rang out through the venue, the audience was left with a sense of release, as if the song had touched something deep within them. It was a fitting end to a night of powerful and passionate music, and a reminder of the incredible talent and artistry that Larkin Poe brings to every performance. It's a testament to the power of music to connect with our deepest emotions and experiences, and a reminder of the incredible talent and passion of these two remarkable artists.

All in all, Larkin Poe's concert at the Croxton was a night to remember. The sisters' talent, humour, and stage presence were a winning combination that left the crowd eager to take in every song that came their way with most of the room leaving their phones in their pockets and just experiencing the night, you can’t help but leave wanting more. If you have the chance to see Larkin Poe live, don't miss it – just be sure to wear your dancing shoes and stretch out those guitar-playing muscles.

For now, I will leave you with Rebecca’s parting words to the adoring punters. “Never let them take the fight out of you. Whatever that fight is in your heart, keep it strong”