Review: Larkin Poe ‘Bloom’
By Hal Horowitz
It was likely inconceivable that when Georgia’s all acoustic Lovell Sisters first appeared as a folksy local act grabbing some national attention in 2004, that they would, after a few personnel, musical and name tweaks, be Grammy winners as Larkin Poe (for 2022s ‘Blood Harmony’). They were also 2024s Duo/Group of the Year at the Americana Honors & Awards Ceremony.
But with plenty of hard work, a key endorsement from Elvis Costello (who employed them as his backing band on 2007s solo tour), some terrific albums and EPs, along with a rigorous touring schedule, Rebecca and Megan Lovell have achieved artistic kudos and gained a substantial audience for their tough, rootsy, rocking blues. Larkin Poe’s gripping music and energetic performances as openers that often blow headliners off the stage, have solidified their reputation even further.
Better still, they did it on their own, never signing with a major label (they record for their own Tricki-Woo imprint), which allowed them the freedom to release exactly what they wanted, without pesky corporate interference. Now on ‘Bloom,’ the sisters’ seventh studio album, they continue that hot streak.
Opening mid-tempo “Mockingbird” sets the tenor with Rebecca’s soulful, swaggering vocals ringing out about taking control of her life over Megan’s lap steel, both swathed in Southern soil. Caleb Crosby’s drums pound with swampy determination pushing the song into anthemic, arena filling strength.
The women imbue harder edged tones to “Pearls” as Rebecca howls “Baby keep your pearls…She’s got the sweetest little heart/Watch her blow it all apart.” The guitars growl in response, changing tempos from slower to propulsive with a near metal riff suddenly shifting to a dreamier attack.
The singer lashes out again on “Bluephoria.” Both guitars pump plucky licks worthy of Jimmy Page as she sings “My fuse is burning pretty short…I ain’t getting bucked off again” with enough bluster and attitude to make Joan Jett seem shy. Megan wails and slashes her lap steel as guest Michael Webb’s organ adds more rust colored guts to one of this album’s most ferocious tracks.
The high octane “Nowhere Fast” pays tribute to the sisters’ roots (“From east to west Georgia does it the best”) on the revved-up track that puts the groove into fifth gear for one of this set’s most inspiring rockers.
While the majority of the songs lean into the bluesy energized guitars that dominate the disc’s sound, some support softer dynamics. Both are displayed for parts 1 and 2 of “Easy Love.” The initial tune is as Southern and gritty as Blackberry Smoke as Megan whips off smoke-filled lines. But its follow-up takes the “easy” title more literally, bringing us to a back porch on a summer’s night for the album’s most intimate and floating ballad. Here Megan’s slithering slide infuses an ominous feel as Rebecca croons a love song (“You make it easy to love you”) to what is likely her husband; fellow musician and co-producer Tyler Bryant. He also plays bass and adds guitars as well as co-penning most of the songs making him a key ingredient to the project’s success.
The closing “Bloom Again” lays us down gently after the fireworks that highlight the majority of the previous 40 minutes. It then builds to a sturdy, riveting crescendo as Rebecca returns to her lover after a particularly contentious fight, hoping their relationship can be revived.
With its taut production, punchy sound and crackling performances, Larkin Poe’s music blossoms with peak season flourishes on the rugged ‘Bloom.’
Pre-order the album here
“Mockingbird”
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