Shot and reviewed by me for Restless Cities

There is a palpable chemistry between the three main members of Brooklyn-based The Lone Bellow – Zach Williams, Kanene Donehey Pipkin, and Brian Elmquist packed in the El Rey Theatre backed by a full band including a drummer, lap-steel player, bass player, and keyboardist. One of the most impressive features of The Lone Bellow’s energetic alt-country-folk sound is their lush three-part harmonies that serve as the backbone for their huge – and also hugely intimate- sound. Williams captivated the audience with a ready-made ferocity as they opened with “Then Came The Morning” from their 2015 release. Between Williams’ spirited performance, Elmquist’s rootsy guitar licks, and Pipkin’s beauty and talent on guitar and mandolin, The Lone Bellow completely charmed their audience with a church-like soulfulness. Some of the highlights of the night were clap-along “Take My Love”, “Heaven Don’t Call Me Home”, “Heart Of Gold”, and a stripped-down lights-off version of “Watch Over Us”. One of the most memorable parts of the night was a nearly-full rendition of Next’s “Too Close” which started off as a joke and morphed into a hilarious cover showing off the trio’s endearment. One thing is certain – The Lone Bellow have perfected the art of writing and performing songs that rise to collective musical euphoria with a folk-tinged earnestness leaving some fans feeling like it was nearly a religious experience.