The Lumineers play fan favourites and reveal new directions at the O2 Arena

On Wednesday night, the Lumineers played a rousing set for an audience of loving fans at the O2 Arena. The folk-rock group, led by duo Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, are touring internationally to promote their new album III, and offered a comprehensive selection from the album along with a number of old favourites.

Opening with Sleep on the Floor, from their second album Cleopatra, the band started confidently, showcasing the profound beats and Americana narratives that have become their trademark. Known for their simple, catchy tunes and memorable lyrics, Fraites and Schultz charmed their audience and proved adept at handling both their standard heartwarming fare and darker material. 

III is a more ambitious work than their previous albums, a fragmented exploration of the problems that affect addicts and their loved ones. It Wasn’t Easy to be Happy for You was an impassioned, vocal-heavy track dealing with self-destructive relationships, while Jimmy Sparks proved a standout, a ballad of the broken American dream that drew on Dylan but turned its hard-luck story into something uniquely their own.

Ending with a long encore, the band performed a cover of Leonard Cohen’s Democracy, also featured on III, along with English duo the Webb Sisters, who feature on the album track. Rounding off with foot-stomping anthem Stubborn Love, from their eponymous debut album, cemented their British fans’ adoration and enjoyment. The Lumineers are moving in exciting new directions, but they remain true to their roots.

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Photos: Guifré de Peray

The Lumineers are touring internationally until July 2020. For more information or to book tickets, visit the band’s website here.

Watch the video for Jimmy Sparks here: