Everyone in the diverse crowd at T.T. the Bear’s was looking for something different — and they found it. Many stood in the back to ruminate on the laidback opening act David Dondero, and Mean Creek put some electricity in the air with their powerfully charged routine. The Love Language took the stage around 11 pm, just as the air of anticipation was reaching its peak. After a modest tuning session the band invited the crowd to loosen up with a drink before the show, although most stayed where they were, reluctant to give up their prime locations on the floor.
After a few whiskey-coughs from lead singer Stuart Mclamb, the five were off, cannon-balling full force into their rose-colored world of romance with the song “Stars”. Next the band lapsed into an impromptu jam session, the vocals taking a backseat to a new-found instrumental intensity. The group performed a mixed set of old and new songs, including “Blue Angel” and “Brittany’s Back” from their new album, Libraries.
Throughout the show, the intuitive relationships between the band members were apparent; Stuart McLamb and drummer Jordan McLamb found the same groove more than once. As a jazz musician might say, these guys were “in the pocket”- perhaps a worn and fraying pocket of somebody’s skinny jeans, but a pocket, nonetheless. Their moments of that rare and complete musical unity were thrilling to witness indeed. The energy created in this intimate setting eventually spilled off the stage, culminating in keyboardist Missy Thangs frolicking through the audience with a tambourine. By “Heart to Tell” the audience was right there with her, bopping along to the infectious rhythm. After the heartfelt encore, the band stuck around and mingled with their fans a bit before heading off on the rest of their tour, which will take them all the way to the West Coast. Hopefully the TT’s concert left an equally delightful impression on them and they’ll be back in Boston in a flash.