Meagan Grandall and Kendra Cox (via kexp.org)
Seattle duo Lemolo capture a slice of the Pacific Northwest filled with wonder, longing, and allure – one where even gray skies seem appealing. When they mention rain, as on “Whale Song”, it is a serene experience, not one to begrudge.
On Thursday night, Lemolo singer Meagan Grandall revealed to the Alberta Rose crowd that “Whale Song” is about her 6-year-old “neighbor girl.” This made sense, given the song’s endearing, childlike quality.
Grandall and drummer/keyboardist Kendra Cox’s shimmering tunes swaddled me in a kind of warm and fuzzy, morphine-like cocoon as I sat inside the Alberta Rose for the first time. I loved every minute of it. My only regret was they didn’t sell copies of their debut album, Kaleidoscope, out July 3, so I could make the feeling last longer.
I first caught Lemolo’s live show last fall at the Bumbershoot festival in Seattle. The hometown crowd sang along with Grandall and clapped and hollered. The Alberta Rose crowd was more reserved, although appreciative of their efforts. This might have been because the audience was seated.
Most of the songs Lemolo played in Seattle were also showcased Thursday night – songs like Kaleidoscope single “On Again, Off Again”, “Whale Song”, and set closer “Letters.”
Grandall started and stopped “On Again, Off Again”, seeking the crowd’s assurance on whether they could hear her guitar. We could. Reassured, Grandall and Cox dove into the tempestuous song with gusto.
Grandall’s voice is warm and immersing. She uses repetitions of phrases to give the song’s urgency and intensity. Cox’s drumming style is authoritative, offering a nice contrast to Grandall’s vocals.
Both came off as genuinely dorky on-stage. I mean that in the best way possible. For example, they poked fun at themselves for the way they thanked the crowd.
They better practice. My guess is they will have many more crowds to thank in the coming months.
great write up on Lemolo – I love their music and will be the first in line to buy many copies of their CD on July 3rd -
Thanks Rita! I am right there with you. I wonder which of Portland’s many music stores will be carrying the CD when it’s released.