The Lumineers charm Joburg

The Lumineers' SA tour was a success.

The Lumineers' SA tour was a success.

Published Dec 8, 2014

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JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's mood can be described as somewhat dark at the moment as persistent power cuts undermine the beginning of the summer holidays and festive season.

For many, music eases the gloom, and so it was that thousands came to Emmarentia Dam in Johannesburg on Sunday to see American folk sensation The Lumineers conclude their brief but successful tour of South Africa.

Having played in Cape Town earlier in the week, singer Wesley Schultz told the crowd that the Emmarentia show was the end of three years of touring and their final live performance, before heading off to make a new album.

The Grammy Award-nominated outfit, whose self-titled 2012 debut album went platinum in the United States, were greeted by sunshine and an audience that gradually filled up the long grass bank leading up to the stage.

Performing their entire album, a song on the coming new album, plus a few covers, Schultz, drummer Jeremiah Fraites, cellist Neyla Pekarek, pianist Stelth Ulvang and bassist Ben Wahamaki, charmed with their light melodies, gentle pace, and Schultz's soothing tones.

The band's best-known songs elicited the best reaction, with effusive smash hit “Ho Hey” leading the way, accompanied by “Submarines”, “Classy Girls”, and the ever lovely, yet slightly sad “Stubborn Love”.

At one point during the performance, Schultz and Fraites wondered into the crowd onto small platforms where they were surrounded by fans who took pictures and videos on their smartphones, Schultz's voice and guitar cutting the air around him.

The most impressive aspect of The Lumineers' performance was that while they appeared tired, and ready for a much-needed break, boisterous calls for an encore were met with a strong and considered response.

Led by Schultz, sporting a fine beard, The Lumineers performed four more songs before coming together for a final bow that was met by wide and appreciative applause.

It was a fitting end, as both the crowd and band parted ways as friends who hoped to perhaps see each other again at some point in future.

Local support acts Majozi, Dear Reader, and Alice Phoebe Lou acquitted themselves well, but not being widely known by most of the audience, had a tricky time providing the right foundation for the headline act.

While an excellent crowd showed up, at an expensive R465 a ticket and the Foo Fighters playing at FNB Stadium next week also a costly exercise, an additional and better known local act would not have gone amiss.

However, the organisers should be praised for an extremely well-planned event, especially their proactive security in keeping under 18s away from the bar, and giving lesser-known, local niche artists exposure on a large platform. - Sapa

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