Brighton-based indie-band Lostaura came to Lincoln last week to perform at the Slug and Lettuce with their unique brand of atmospheric rock. Still fresh from the release of their critically acclaimed summer EP, “The Hiding Place”, the band continues to ride the waves of success with their October tour.
From the moment Lostaura set foot on the stage and barrel into their set, it’s clear that this band has a sound intended for stadiums across the world.
The music produced by the quintet is impressively huge, with tracks such as “Chevron” and “Absent Minded” threatening to blow the windows out of the Lincoln venue.
Having played with Lincoln-based band Lost Souls in the past, Lostaura have mentioned in a previous interview with The Linc their desire to play more for the Lincoln music scene. It was clear seconds into the set that Lostaura had come to the city to impress.
Whilst Lostaura have a strong UK following, many of the Lincoln crowd weren’t familiar enough with the band to engage in their performance initially. However, as the set continued, Lostaura had succeeded in converting pretty much every member of the crowd into a fan.
With a sound completely unique to them, Lostaura still retain enough musical sensibility to appeal to a variety of music fans. A symphonic undertone is accompanied by grinding guitar tones that the current scene have grown to know and love, giving them a sound that gains them rave reviews.
So, it was a disappointing not to see a larger crowd at the Slug and Lettuce. Whilst their stadium-rock style serves them well, the band’s live performance won’t reach its full potential until they play the venues their music is meant for.
The walls of the Slug and Lettuce seemed to be restricting the energy of Lostaura’s songs, despite a heroic performance from front man, Dave McCormack, and brilliant musicianship from his band mates.
As the set continued, with standout tracks such as “Waiting” and “Twenty3”, Lostaura seemed to become more comfortable with the intimate venue and began to ooze kinetic energy. Not one band member stayed still for very long, throwing themselves around the stage and encouraging those still in doubt to jump aboard the Lostaura train.
It’s hard to comment negatively on their first performance in Lincoln. Fantastic songs and great showmanship made for a memorable gig, but the night lacked that special something to put a smile on the faces of the crowd.
As the epic “One in a Million” brought the show to an end, the Slug and Lettuce had been given a brilliant, but slightly empty show. Maybe when Lostaura are faced with the muddy fields of festival season, they will become the live band they are destined to be.
Lostaura’s six track mini album “The Hiding Place” is out now.