BRIDGE CITY SINNERS-HOLY LOCUST-KATACOMBS-LIGHTNIN’ LUKE
By Ralph Beauchamp
Last month, we featured an interview with Libby Lux from The Bridge City Sinners. That all came about from a show photographer Rich Russo and myself caught at the Webster Theater in Hartford where the Sinners brought their “In The Age of Doubt” tour. Accompanying Bridge City were three outstanding support acts. Lightnin’ Luke, Katacombs and Holy Locust all played amazing sets that bedazzled the capacity crowd at the venue.
This night, the Webster was packed. The Bridge City Sinners have paid their dues and are starting to get the recognition they deserve. Opening the night is one of their own. Out on stage as a solo artist is the Sinners‘ fiddle player, Lightnin’ Luke. Luke is signed to the DIY record label (Flail Records) the Sinners have created and he has already released music on his own. His 2019 album, Volume 2, is crisply bold. He just recently released a new single entitled “Ton by Ton” which is full of enlightened intonations.
Luke came out sitting on a stool and toting a guitar. With his full beard and wide brim hat, he seems more likely to be shucking corn on an Amish farm in PA. His music is sublime but more importantly, his control of the audience was utterly amazing. It didn’t feel like a concert but more like watching you cousin play at your house by the fire. His on-stage banter carried the crowd to a new level. Every moment was an intimate jewel and his stories were relevant and fun. Luke’s set was short but memorable. “The Only Cowboy Bar In Portland” and “Ton On Ton” were definitely fan favorites.
Up next was Katacombs. Katacombs is the alter ego of the uber talented Katerina Kiranos. Katrina was raised in Miami by a Spanish mother and a Greek father. At an early age she took piano lessons and that led to a lifelong love of music and songwriting. In addition, she is a consummate sculptor. Fluent on several instruments, Katacombs hit the dias playing the keys. Her first song was “Weeping Willow” which immediately enveloped the venue with an aura of ethereal delight. Her voice is sensual and her music just as provocative. Katacombs easily wove spider webs of spiritual enchantment.
Katacomb’s seven song set featured glorious gems and intriguing covers. “Bluebeard” and “Buck or Bust” had the throng in awe. She drew the audience in with her witty dialogue and singular sound. In the middle of her set, Katerina comfortably switched to guitar. Her cover of Soko’s “We Might Be Dead By Tomorrow” also drew a great response. She closed out with the title track from her 2022 EP, You Will Not. The ambitious track left the Webster wanting more.
Holy Locust followed Katacombs. Holy Locust is a five piece acoustic folk band based out of Nashville that seamlessly adds the raw energy of punk and the heartstrings of Americana. The band is also signed to Flail Records and they are a perfect match. Their music transcends genres and delivers high energy folk with a twist. Holy Locust consists of Aydin Sabala (Banjo/Vocals), Robbie Ayo (Bass), Jeff Sevier (Accordion/Vocals), Noah James (Fiddle/Vocals) and Summer Newman (Guitar/Vocals). Their last release was their 2023 album entitled Beneath The Turning Wheel (Flail Records).
Live, Holy Locust are a hurricane in the making. Their 11 song set was full of dynamic rhythms and brazen musicianship. Starting off with a bold instrumental, they transitioned into “Fallen Crown”. The house enjoyed every note and after the song sent hoots and holler into the air. Holy Locust were on the right track. “Trash Pile”, “Heir To Woe” and “Live Wire” kicked in and the Webster was feeling it. At one point Sevier became the first crowd surfing accordion player I’ve ever witnessed. A true testament to their total abandonment of normalcy.
Holy Locust continued their aural onslaught with “Aedis Egypti”, “Houses On Fire”, “Vengeful knell” and “Killing Light”. Everyone was high on the musical vibes. The band closed out with “Wolf Womb” and an infectious version of “Tangled In Ropes”. Holy Locust is an act to be on the lookout for. They tear down the house.
So here comes The Bridge City Sinners and the house erupts. This is the band everyone was waiting for. Lead vocalist and ukulele player, Libby Lux was her flamboyant self. She was full of vim and vinegar. King Strang on guitar was monstrously cool. Scott Michaud on standup bass was utterly propulsive. Clyde McGee on banjo was throwing sonic grenades while the edgy Lightnin’ Luke was slaying on the fiddle. The Sinners don’t leave anything behind. They hurl the kitchen sink at you. And no one was ducking.
They opened the night with “Port Street Strut” off their recent release In The Age of Doubt. Right from the start, the throng at the Webster was grooving to the imposing passion that The Sinners were dishing out. This was going to be a love fest. “Virgin Sacrifice”, “Pick Your Poison”, and “Heavy” ensued and the juices were flowing. The Bridge City Sinners were pulling out the best from their extensive catalogue. The middle of their set was another powertrip with “Doubt”, “Crazy” and “Shame” slamming the bejesus out of their adoring fans. All the while, Lux is cajoling with the audience making it feel like an intimate one on one.
The Bridge City Sinners ended with a flourish. “Devil’s Swing” flowed into “Song of the Siren” and “Waltz”. The final song was an rousing rendition of “Break the Chain”. The encore was additionally killer with “Devil Like You” and “Kreacher”. Who could ask for anything more!
This was an evening of high energy and memorable experiences. Lightnin’ Luke was addictive. Katacombs pulsated with lush textures while Holy Locust filled the room with raptious soundscapes. The devilish charm of The Bridge City Sinners carried the night. Everyone left uplifted with demonic glee. God bless The Sinners.
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