Larkin Poe
Evening Muse
Nov. 7, 2014
It had been three years since Larkin Poe performed in Charlotte, but the sold-out crowd in attendance for this appearance will hopefully get them back sooner than later. Originally two-thirds of the sister trio The Lovell Sisters, Megan and Rebecca Lovell have been together as Larkin Poe since 2010. Their performance at MerleFest was early in the band's formation and still steeped in its bluegrass roots. Since then, Rebecca and Megan's music has developed into a more soulful Americana that's closer to roots-rock than anything bluegrass or folk.
Rebecca holds the spotlight with her vocals and instrumentation on acoustic and electric guitar and mandolin, while Megan offers highlights through her lapsteel accents and harmonies. Together, they convey a range of styles including rock, blues, soul, folk. From the T. Rex-inspired "Don't" to the Appalachian-infused "Mad as a Hatter," to the slow and slinky "Sugar High" the sisters gave the crowd a wide range of styles that were held together through their consistent vocals.
By the time the band reached its final song, Kin's leadoff "Jailbreak," the crowd and band's energy were in full force and feeding off of each other. Not ones to disappoint, Rebecca and Megan stuck around for an encore of their own. After Rebecca sang a few bars of "Georgia on My Mind," the two ran through a cover of "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)."
Having seen the band as the Lovell Sisters at Bonnaroo, as an early incarnation of Larkin Poe at MerleFest and again at the Evening Muse a few years ago, it's clear that the young early 20-something sisters have quickly grown and matured as performers and songwriters. Their incredible instrumental talents and vocal harmonies now serve the songs instead of simply showcasing their talent.
Encore
Georgia on my Mind
Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)