BrightestYoungThings: LIVEDC: The Love Language @ RnR Hotel

all words: Robb Scott
all photos: Shauna Alexander from one of the previous DC shows

For the Rock and Roll Hotel's fifth anniversary, Chapel Hill based band The Love Language provided the audible party favors for all those who showed up.

Opening for TL2 were two local acts: Archivists and River James—fitting considering this was a celebration of a DC staple. Starting with Archivists, hearing them, I was reminded of those house party jam sessions when the friend of a friend's band comes through to play. Yes they are exciting, and they make you want to dance, but do they really leave any lasting creative marks in your mind? Not so much… and that's where I find myself with the Archivists.

On the other side of that coin of opening acts, River James. From Arlington, they brought a moodiness that is often seen in bands with some type of incurable heartbreak, but their lyrics and arrangements had more of a purpose. These guys sing about life lessons, self-discovery, and the places closest to their heart, like "Arlington" for instance. It was pretty obvious the experience lead singer/guitarist Vince Scheuerman had from Army of Me had rolled over into this new project. From the stage decor to the musical techniques of the band (the second guitar using a bow for instance) all contributed to the overall theme which is River James — an adventure through the scenic Virginian landscape.

Where other shows I've been to, the openers act as further forays into whatever genre the headliner calls home, this show seems more variety than anything else… not a problem, just an observation. Either way, once The Love Language took the stage, the real party began. With a light show barely able to be contained by the teeny stage and the sheer size of the band itself, their set was more inspired drum circle than a simple band/audience structure. Early into the set, lead vocalist Stuart McLamb invited a very excited fan on stage to play tambourine during one of their songs.

I'd never seen these guys play live, but by the way they sound on their albums, I imagined a more mellow experience than what I was treated to. While their albums aren't quiet in nature in the least, they certainly aren't sweat inducing, hip shaking, head knocking either — however, that's exactly what happened. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was dancing, smiling, having a genuine good time from start to finish. Amidst playful banter with the audience, the band went back and forth between their first and second albums — we even got a taste of some newer material near the end of the set.

If there were any better way to celebrate the fifth anniversary of H streets darling RnR Hotel, I'd like to know, because The Love Language hit the mark. Their albums The Love Language and Libraries are both available now on iTunes and Spotify (if you're more keen on music a la gratis).

Setlist
Nocturne
Lalita
Providence
Heart to Tell
Calm Down
Blue Angel
Pedals
Manteo
This Blood Is Our Own
Sparxxx
Brittany's Back
Wilmont
**Two New Tracks**