On the first of October, The London Souls descended upon the Maple Leaf Bar to perform their third show in three nights in New Orleans. The duo had just wrapped up a two-night run supporting 80s icon Billy Idol at the House of on both Monday and Tuesday of this week, but that apparently wasn’t good enough for the Maple Leaf, who snagged the rockers for an early Thursday night set. As the venue’s Facebook event page promoting the show so eloquently states, “This band rocks.”
Blending psychedelic rock with funk, soul, layered harmonies, and catchy hooks, the New York City-based duo busted out every move in their arsenal, cranking out two sets that contained original material as well as an impressive repertoire of covers. “The Souls” aired out tunes from both their debut album, The London Souls, and their latest album, Here Come The Girls – released in April by Eric Krasno’s Feel Music Group label. The duo connected the dots across musical generations with fresh takes on adored classics, such as Ronnie Wood’s “Am I Groovin’ You?” and “Get Back” by the Beatles. Guitarist Tash Neal and drummer Chris St. Hilaire exemplify the best of today’s young, virtuosic musicians – able to incorporate classic rock influences with their unique energy in a manner reminiscent of past eras of popular music.
The highlight of the evening came during the final stretch of the second set, with an incredible run of “Be Thankful for What You’ve Got” (William DeVaughn), “Someday” > “Magic Bus” (The Who) > “Get Back” (The Beatles). The band seemingly transported the Leaf and all of its inhabitants back in time with their exemplary inter-generational tribute. After a ravaging two-hour show the crowd still couldn’t allow for the band to pack up their gear, instead clamoring in unison for an encore. The duo closed out with one of their staples, titled “I Think I Like It”. Their swirling, gritty, blues-filled performance was surely one for the books, as they close the lid on a hat trick run in the Big Easy.
The London Souls will be back at it on Monday, October 5 with an eight-show run through Texas. They then travel overseas to the United Kingdom for a sold out, twelve-show run with Catfish And The Bottlemen at the end of October through mid-November. The band plans to hit the studio this winter to record a new album.
Upcoming tour dates and tickets can be found on The London Souls’ Website.
Setlist: The London Souls at The Maple Leaf Bar, New Orleans, LA – 10/1/15
Set 1: Am I Groovin’ You? (Ronnie Wood) > Are You Ready?, Easier Said Than Done, Hercules > The Sound, All Tied Down, The River, Alone
Set 2: Steady, I’m Begging You Please, Little Bit of My Love > Bobby James > Valerie > Be Thankful for What You’ve Got (William DeVaughn), Someday > Magic Bus (The Who) > Get Back (The Beatles)
Encore: I Think I Like It
Full Gallery below via Zach Brien:
