Live Review: Lucy Rose at the Neptune Theatre 10/18

All photos and review by Bebe Besch (view set)

On October 18th, arguably the month's stormiest of evenings in Seattle, a celebration was taking place inside of the Neptune Theatre. Two of England's brightest talents were charming the venue's stage.

Strolling out to a nearly packed crowd was singer-songwriter Lucy Rose. Her demeanor is a contrasting image; Rose always wears a quiet, modest, and comfortable outfit, but her features are striking. Lucy Rose's bright blonde strands frame her most prominent feature, which there is no denying: her voice.

The intimacy of Lucy's songs has always made them relatable, but the vulnerability ringing throughout her subtle melodies is what makes her vocals so distinct. On Rose's latest album, Something’s Changing, something has certainly changed. Though still personal lyrically, Rose's most recent offering is playful. Starting the night off with "Love Song," (a song with literal clapping) it was clear to see that the tone of this evening's performance would be a light one.

The night could have gone much differently. Lucy Rose was originally slated to headline her own set a few nights earlier at The Sunset Tavern in Ballard. On previous tours, Rose was likely to be at a tiny venue, on stage solo, playing through multiple songs detailing heartbreak. Though not with her entire band, Rose did surprisingly have a few companions alongside her at The Neptune Theatre. Continuing with the lighthearted energy, Rose kept playing through tracks from Something's Changing, including her funkiest song "Not Good at All.” Smiles were shared all around by Rose and co. while they continued through their set.

Only by the time we were nearing the end of her quaint performance was there a glimmer of her older sound. With a word of warning "this is my quietest song," Rose began "Shiver," solely with her guitar. Even with all of the chatter that is inevitable from the lower level bar at The Neptune, Rose had the attention of everyone on her side of the venue. The song (which at one time was nearly too personal for Rose to perform due to its content) was performed effortlessly.

It's been years since Lucy Rose has performed in Seattle, and it's true that she has evolved between that time. Rose is no longer alone on a stage looking out to a crowd by herself. She exuberates contentedness and sings about her happier moments. Although her previous melancholic themes were associated with and reinforced her sensitive sound, her shift in subject tone is welcome. Rose’s voice is still the star; though still delicate, her vocals are now strengthened with confidence.

Lucy Rose opened the evening for Paul Weller, the iconic English singer/songwriter for bands such as The Jam and The Style Council. (We were kindly asked not to take photos during his set.) Touring in support of Weller’s latest album A Kind of Revolution, Lucy Rose definitely was a fitting addition to the bill.