Lemolo at Kelly's Olympian

Lemolo's music is reminiscent of a summer thunderstorm. With ethereal keys and angelic vocals provided by singer Meagan Grandall the atmosphere feels warm and relaxed, yet the rumbling percussion tells another story altogether; dark skies are drawing near and it may be time to find cover.

Knives- http://youtu.be/iB2lgJ3IlsI

Seattle based duo Lemolo has been making music for the past couple years, releasing album The Kaleidoscope which was on KEXP’s “Top Listener Voted Albums of 2012," along with a live dvd performing their album in its entirety over two sold-out nights at the Columbia City Theater. Sadly, in 2013 original drummer Kendra Cox decided to move onto new musical pursuits. Kendra was the thunderous yang to Meagan's airy yin; an excellent combination that translated well live.  Upon the decision to go separate ways Meagan put the word out seeking a new drummer and shortly connected with Seattle Rock Orchestra percussionist Emily Westman, who has since realigned Lemolo back into balance.

Grandall was quite busy writing songs through the latter half of 2013 and last Tuesday night was Portland's first chance to see Lemolo showcase their new lineup as well as material for their sophomore album expected later in 2014.

I was a bit nervous about what the new sound and chemistry of Lemolo would be like (previously impressed during shows at Mississippi Studios). Headlinging act Sydney York from Alberta, Canada were in the midst of a record release which allowed Lemolo a soft opening of sorts to debut their new tracks. While only one song from The Kaleidoscope was performed (On Again, Off Again) Meagan and Emily did not disappoint.



With looping guitars and driving rhythms Lemolo's sound continues to compel. While Westman might be a bit more reserved than predecessor Cox, she is no less talented, playing both drums and xylophone simultaneously. The back and forth of quiet/loud (evident in many of their songs) keeps you anticipating that next crack of thunder, yet also admiring the beams of light breaking through.

Many new songs like "Child Soldier" continue the ebb and flow of haunting and beauty, a standard of Lemolo's sound. "Morning Warning" showcased something I had never seen on stage, with Westman playing the xylophone with a bow(!) using the edges of the keys rather than their faces.

Lemolo's music is wholly cathartic. After listening to their debut album or catching a live performance one can only feel as though everything has been washed clean, anew.  And with the band hitting the studio next month Portland can look forward to a late Spring/Summer return of these ladies to bring the rain, in the best way possible.


-ListeningMan is host of The Lunchbox on Mondays.