“This is our first time in Charlotte, but I think we’ll be back,” Paul Jason Kline softly announced between songs while fiddling with his mic stand. The crowd let out a deafening cheer; it was music to their ears. Most likely, Charlotte isn’t the first city that’s heard that sent sentence. It’s become routine for musicians to proclaim their appreciation for each city they’re in, often stating, “this is the best stop on the tour” or “you guys are the best crowd yet” - all of which encourages a rousing ovation. However, on this particular night, Klein’s proclamation seemed genuine and it fit the night’s narrative.
Indie love, wide smiles and dreamy melodies filled the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte for nearly 90 minutes. Formed in Nashville by three friends: Kline, Les Priest and Jake Goss, Los Angeles-based heart-throb LANY is irresistible, evidenced by the teary-eyed fans in attendance that expressed their love by handing the frontman a dozen roses during the renowned “ILYSB.” Without even releasing a full-length album, LANY has become a rising success in the electro-pop genre with their dreamy vibe and catchy lyrics.
Photos by Jared Allen
It didn’t take long for the sing-alongs to bloom in the Queen City as Kline enabled the audience from the get-go. From “Yea, Babe, No Way” to “Good Girls,” every fan in the venue chimed in, but the crowd never overtook Kline’s soft vocals. The frontman glided around the stage, each movement matching his somber tone. On this night, he was an idol that everyone wanted a piece of. While he separated himself from the audience during songs that involved the keyboard, he shared his self during others, dropping to his knees at the edge of the stage, confiding in the audience’s touch. The vocalist is a natural performer and even though he attracted the majority of attention, his band mates help carry the soft energy.
Tucked away in the left corner, Goss never relinquished the smile that spread across his face during each thump of the drums. Priest commands the right side, lost in the mood, rarely shifting focus away from his tunes that contribute to the overall catchiness and complete the musical triangle. The band shows off a spirited connection that sets the tone for the show. They’re in sync and the interdependence spreads into the audience, as unknowing members share a smile on occasion.
For a band that plans to release their debut record on June 30, they’re able to construct a deep 16-song set list worthy of headlining. LANY digs deeps into their discography, only dating back to 2015, with tracks such as “4EVER!” and “Someone Else.” However, while they share songs that helped ignite the band’s rise, they also gave the audience a sneak peak into the future. “Dumb Stuff” - the lead track off the band’s upcoming album - helped close out the night. Although pulling sounds from a ‘80s pop era, LANY’s overall sensation appeals to listeners of all ages and their music can open up even the most kept-shut souls. LANY’s dream wave is here and it isn’t subsiding any time soon.
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