Lanterns On The Lake @The Bullingdon Arms Oxford - Live Review

Having never ventured far down the Cowley road, I was naturally a little apprehensive when unable to find The Bullingdon Arms (no connection to the delightful Oxford dining society). It turns out that the Bullingdon Arms is now called “The Art Bar”, with the room at the back for intimate performances now generally referred to as “The Bully”. Quite a contrast, and that was seen in the variety of the crowd, providing healthy competition for whatever-the-Obey-clad-youths-were-queueing-up-for-at-the-O2-opposite. But, demographic studies aside an intimate setting was ideal, and brought out the best of the 2 bands that played in its cosy midst. Oxford based 3-piece Deer Chicago opened, with their set of moderately heavy reverberating rock, and light-hearted quips about the main act’s northern extraction, both of which warmed the crowd up and even got a few dancing.

Lanterns On The Lake took to the stage fresh from an appearance at the Truck Store promoting their new album Until The Colours Run, and brought with them a number of loyal fans. The dimmed blue mood lighting was an interesting touch, but it suited the mellowed piano chords and melancholic voice of lead singer Hazel Wilde perfectly. The opening song Picture Show featured a variety of instruments including an accordion, violin, and an electric guitar bowed like a double bass. If anything, it was impressive how quickly the 5 bandmembers were able to juggle those instruments. The band are described simply as indie rock, and with the tone set to a mellow folk rock one would compare to the likes of Daughter or Beirut, I along with the overly intimate 50-year-old couple embracing in front of me was taken aback by the sudden transition of this tune into a frenzy of drumming, as 4/5 of the band recreated what seemed to be a crazed rain-dance. Just as I was beginning to worry that they intended to flood the venue to better suit their name, they played Another Tale from Another English Town, a nostalgic number which one could easily see turning into a ballad for a generation, while The Ghost that Sleeps within Me picked up symphonic clashes between guitar distortions and the amplified violin. It could have been a sudden blast of the aircon, but the ballad Sapsorrow sent shivers down my spine, whilst the fade to red lights coincided with the last number I love you Sleepyhead, ending the set on a pleasantly gentle note.

It’s great to see the popularity and appreciation for this Newcastle quintet gathering momentum, and one hopes to hear more from a sound that can only be described as precious.