Lanterns on the Lake

After the success of their fourth album, Spook the Herd, which earned them a Mercury Nomination in 2020, Lanterns on the Lake followed this year with another critically acclaimed offering, Versions of Us. Bringing their textured indie vibe to the intimate Islington Assembly Hall on a chilly last night of autumn, the band were in full emotive mood. Christmas lights adorned the trees outside on Islington’s gentrified Upper Street, whilst inside the Assembly Hall a red and purple light was scattered across the walls and expectant faces by the big mirror ball that slowly turned like some celestial body.
Hazel Wilde (vocal, music, lyrics) and Paul Gregory (guitars, production) remain the two original members from the band’s inception in the mid-noughties, since their original drummer recently left for pastures new. Enter Phil Selway, who picked up the sticks and stepped in to bring his well-honed experience to the recording of the new album, as well as joining them on tour, with the band performing with not just one but two drummers. With the rhythm section being one part Radiohead, the music is underpinned by a noticeably well-structured and measured percussive quality, along with Bob Allan holding a judicious bass line.

Lanterns on the Lake last played Islington Assembly Hall some time prior to Covid. Musically, they have steadily progressed their sound and identity across their five respected albums, carrying a gravitas to their performance that has outgrown this relatively small venue that holds a capacity of less than 900; yet is conversely amplified through seeing them perform in such an intimate environment.

Hazel has a rich and distinctive vocal style and puts a lot of work into shaping the lyrics that cover a variety of existential themes. Paul’s guitars are complimented by Angela Chan playing violin/viola, awash with effects. As the band has matured, Lanterns on the Lake have become more adept at arresting the listener and carrying them on an emotional journey across colourful soundscapes.

The Likes of Us followed by Real Life, both songs from the new album, open the set. The latter is hopeful and upbeat in its dreamy optimism. Every Atom and Baddies follow from Spook the Herd and are a reminder of how accomplished that album is. The band is tight, the acoustics are clear, and for once the volume is not so earsplittingly loud.

Hazel fills some of the space between the change-over of songs as she moves between guitar or keyboard, with a touch of cheeky banter; in riposte to some light hearted shout-outs from her many admirers in the audience. One pleads for her to marry him. Hazel nonchalantly replies, ‘but we haven’t even been on a date’.

Paul has a rack of guitars (that he clearly loves) – a specific one for each song. He’s often head down, deep in concentration considering carefully every note played it seems. A bow comes out for the tearful Ships in the Rain, and for the outro to the closing track Last Transmission, he’s looking close to channelling some Cobain-like energy and smashing up his guitar. Thankfully, he doesn’t quite get that far.

The music rises and soars as they end the first set with the anthemic Swimming Lessons, before being welcomed back with rapturous whoops, whistles, and applause to finish the night with a 3-song encore. Overall, an elegant and crafted performance.

Setlist:
The Likes of Us
Real Life
Every Atom
Baddies
Blue Screen Beams
When It All Comes True
Rich Girls
Vatican
Through the Cellar Door
Locust
The Saboteur
Thumb of War
Swimming Lessons
encore
Ships in the Rain
String Theory
Last Transmission