Leprous with Earthside – Orlando, FL, Oct. 4th. 2024
Images & Words by: Alex Agranovksy
Going into my third Leprous concert, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. While they’ve consistently delivered outstanding live performances, their latest album, Melodies of Atonement, hadn’t resonated with me as easily as their previous releases. But after hearing some of the new songs live, I’m happy to say that was all it took for the album to fully click.
The band’s last Orlando show at The Beacham was constrained both by the venue acoustics and the relatively small stage. However, this time, the newly renovated Plaza Live provided a far more fitting backdrop. The spacious stage gave the band the freedom they needed, and whether it was due to the skilled sound engineers, the Plaza’s improved acoustics, or the band’s own magic—this was not only the best Leprous show I’ve seen but also one of the best sonic experiences I can remember.
The setlist was a diverse mix, representing Leprous’ extensive discography, or at least the albums Einar wants us to remember. Unsurprisingly, the new release took center stage, but earlier albums were given enough attention to satisfy even the pickiest fans. Each night brought variation, but “Silently Walking Alone” remained a constant opener, and justifiably so—it encapsulates everything that makes Leprous great, from Einar’s soaring vocals to Baard’s explosive, high-octane drumming.
One of the most powerful moments of the night was “I Hear the Sirens.” While it hadn’t stood out to me on the album, hearing it live was a revelation. The song, already emotionally charged, reached new heights as the band performed it with raw intensity, making the live rendition unforgettable.
A welcome addition to this tour was Harrison White on keys. Fans of Novena will recognize him, and those who don’t should check out their Prog From Home performance on YouTube. Harrison not only held his own on stage but also added depth to the band’s performance. Whether this is a permanent arrangement remains to be seen, but I certainly hope it is.
I’d be remiss in my duties if I haven’t mentioned the two opening bands. Fight the Fight, another Norwegian team, was new to me. Their heavy and energetic performance captured the attention of the audience, and surely gained them numerous new fans. Following them was Earthside, a US quartet I had the pleasure of seeing earlier this year. The repeat encounter with Jamie, Frank, Ben, and Ryan was as delightful as the first time. What’s more, Baard Kolstad joined them live for “All We Knew and Ever Loved”, making it an unforgettable experience for the band and audience alike.
I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Einar, Robin, Tor, Simen, Baard, and Harrison for an unforgettable night. With their US tour concluding in Ft. Lauderdale, I wish them safe travels home and a well-deserved rest before their Australian tour in November. As for the US fans, we’ll eagerly await their return—hopefully sooner rather than later.
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