There are not many things I enjoy more than going to a live show. Unfortunately, like everything, at times it grows old, weary and tiresome. Some days I wish I could simply put it out of its misery, preferably while it sleeps, but on occasion a show will deliver like a sobering slap in the face. It brings us back into the fold and can make it all feel fresh again. So goes Langhorne Slim.
Epiphanies of this nature rarely occur in a large impersonal venue. Many times it will happen in the most unlikely of places. A smaller venue that specializes in dank corners to hide away in and has presumably been marinating in stale beer since the day it opened. 
Love at first sight does, in fact, occur. I knew as I stood beneath the glow of the Old Style sign that adorned the front of the newly concert-worthy bar Ronny's (the only real clue to life in the building) and I thought, "Could this be it?" There is no sign to hold your hand and show you the way. The only certainty one could have approaching is the simple fact that there is no other bar within eyesight. I knew I was in the right place when I entered and saw Langhorne Slim amongst the other patrons ordering a beer. The room where the bands would play is more of a converted garage (when I say converted I mean to say there were no cars parked in the room at that particular moment). Two makeshift spotlights with a couple of red filters over them for ambiance and we were set to go.
The venue was a perfect backdrop for the stripped down style of country/folk/rock that Langhorne Slim delivers. From the moment the band started they refused to relent until they were told there was no more time. If allowed, I imagine this show could have continued all night, even if it meant recycling material. By nights end they had covered every song from his 2005 LP When the Sun's Gone Down (with the exception of a couple of short instrumentals) as well as his 2006 Engine EP. The audience was at his disposal throughout the night, shouting, yielding and dancing with every note. The band dictated the direction and the crowd obediently followed. Whether striking up a frenzy with the rousing "Honey Pie" or "She's Gone," or turning the women into lifelong fans with the heartbreaking "By the Time the Sun's Gone Down."
An acoustic guitar, stand up bass and drums were all that was needed to command this ship. Paul Defiglia manning the stand up and Malachi Delorenzo beating away on the drums form a canvas to which Langhorne Slim paints. They are an integral component in dictating the feel of the songs. The three of them together bring an energy and joy that is uncomprimising. When music is played with this kind of conviction you jump willingly into the inferno.
Langhorne Slim is the genuine article. A dynamic performer with a voice that crackles and strains with aching sincerity. A natural born world shaker. A rolling thunder unto himself. By the end of this set I was ready to follow them into war. I implore any fan of live music feeling the malaise to go see Langhorne Slim and let yourself be saved.
Download: Langhorne Slim - "In the Midnight"
Download: Langhorne Slim - "Honey Pie"
Nice article!! Glad you are also spreading the word about this amazing group. I wrote an article about them as well!!
Obsession Collection
Posted by: Artifact | Monday, February 05, 2007 at 09:59 AM
Nice article!! Glad you are also spreading the word about this amazing group. I wrote an article about them as well!!
Obsession Collection
Posted by: Artifact | Monday, February 05, 2007 at 09:59 AM