Concert Review: Lydia, with Austin Gibbs and Torches in Trees

Lydia, with Austin Gibbs and Torches in Trees
Nov. 5
The Roxy Theatre
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It was cold on Saturday at the Roxy Theatre, but the large crowd at the venue’s 6 p.m. “early show” didn’t seem to notice or care over the course of a lineup, which included two above-average opening acts and an outstanding set by headliner Lydia.

The night began with Torches in Trees, a local band that played a relatively good half-hour set. Unfortunately, the band’s sound levels were not quite balanced, and the two vocalists’ harmonies were largely lost in the sound of electric guitar, bass and a drum set that was played with feverish intensity.

Torches in Trees was followed by Austin Gibbs and his backing band, which played a solid set of Southern-tinged rock. Though the music was good and Gibbs had an excellent singing voice, the band’s bassist accompanied almost every flick of his pick with a snarl, chin thrust or similarly out-of-place and excessive motion. Unfortunately, at times the spectacle of finding out what the bassist would do next overshadowed an otherwise great set of songs.

And then, on came Lydia in what was its last stop in a month-long tour in the wake of its recent revival and new album. But this show could not be characterized as a tour in support of a new album. Instead, it was a show dedicated to the fans that stuck with the group from its inception and through its breakup and who had come out to celebrate Lydia’s return.

The band played songs off all four of its albums: 2005’s “This December, It’s One More and I’m Free,” 2008’s “Illuminate,” 2010’s “Assailants” and this year’s “Paint It Golden.” It took lead vocalist Leighton Antelman a couple of songs to get his voice completely on point, but once he did it was smooth sailing for the rest of the wonderful set of songs.

It was clear that the band was having a great time as well. At numerous points in the show, Antelman would step back from the microphone and smile at the audience as it sung the lyrics back at him, strongly and in unison. The mutual appreciation and joy in the audience was clear, and it made for a powerful concert and one that seemed to end too soon.

Lydia is back, just as fans have been hoping for years. And both parties are glad to have the other around.

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