Lamb

Lamb made beautiful music from 1996 – 2004. Their split to work on solo projects took vocalist Lou Rhodes in more of a folk journey, while Producer Andy Barlow continued producing trip-hop and electronic music.

Their addition to festival line-ups last year was a fantastic surprise but I can't help but wonder if they will be able to rekindle the working relationship, closeness and gift of writing spellbinding music together.

We are fortunate enough to catch them on the second of two dates in the UK off the back of their new album launch. Shepherds Bush Empire is brimming by the time Lamb make it onto the stage with an expectant crowd eager to hear how Lamb sound in 2011.



Lou Rhodes looks stunning in a long silky printed dress as the set begins with Another Language. It's a gentle opener and breakbeats, glitchy high-hat and rimshots drums compliment the Rhodes sweet pitch perfect voice.

Double bass player Jon Thorne plays with eyes closed, a wide smile spread across his face and is tapping his bare feet. Opening the set with a brand new song, a gentle introduction to the new album '5' seems to go down well. The crowd listen intently and as I look around the hall, faces seem fixed with mesmerised gazes and broad smiles.

Thorne's bouncing baselines accompany producer Andy Barlow's own electronic bass creations as he steps to the front of the stage to play the drums. Barlow lays down the bed of the music, adds effects and layers samples over the top. His muscular frame towers over the mixing desk, watching him at work is fascinating, his face full of concentration as instruments are chopped in and out of the mix.



A highlight for me is 'Build a Fire'. Nursery rhyme style samples loop over as a rock sounding guitar builds into what almost becomes a rock number. It's so far from what I had expected but sounds amazing. 'The Spectacle' – Lambs new single – is at completely the opposite end of the spectrum. Rhodes delicate voice takes the lead with a gentle piano accompaniment.

I think it's a brave choice for a song to play live, and as it's announced as "A quiet one", a library like hush falls over the crowd.

From the new album, 'Strong the Root' reminds me of an older Lamb tune 'Little Things'. Both sound amazing live but my overall highlight is 'What Sound'. Drum and Bass backing reminds me of the Tom Middleton version on their 'Remixes' album. The live version feels very similar to the remix. Added bounce and a higher tempo make this a stunning track.

Perhaps it's the time of year, but hearing Lamb perform tonight sparks something inside. They have a few festival dates booked over the summer and I'm determined to catch them playing more from the new album, but next time outside in a field.

Set list:

Another Language
Strong the Root
Lusty
Little Things
Existential Itch
She Walks
Gabriel
Trans Fatty
Butterfly Effect
Wise Enough
Build a Fire

Gorecki
What Sound
The Spectacle
Cotton Wool

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.