On Tuesday, just after 9 PM, producer and collaborator Jude Cole took to the stage at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City, delivering kind words to the band he’s managed for many years.
It’s rare to see a band manager’s on stage, but this show was unlike any other; here in the heart of the city that never sleeps, the soulful American-Rock band, Lifehouse, was celebrating their 6th studio album, Almeria, on the evening of its release.
On a personal note, I have seen Lifehouse in every type of venue—large arena, small arena, concert hall, amphitheater, and most recently center field of National’s Stadium, but this was my first time seeing them in a club, and I can confidently say they have never sounded better live than on this night.
Opening with the steady beat of “Gotta Be Tonight,” the first track off of Almeria, the sold-out crowd warmly welcomed Jason Wade, Bryce Soderberg, Rick Woolstenhulme Jr., and Ben Carey to the stage. Continuing to feed off of the energy of their fans, the band followed up with their popular single, “Between The Raindrops,” which features the feminine vocals of Natasha Bedingfield on Almeria, who unfortunately was not in attendance.
Lifehouse would continue to perform several songs from the new record, including “Nobody Listen,” “Only You’re The One,” “Moveonday,” and finally “Right Back Home” before transitioning into an acoustic interlude of “Take Me Away” (Stanley Climbfall, 2003), “Everything” (No Name No Face, 2000), and “Wish.”
The hour-long set also featured the band’s popular hits “You And Me,” “Halfway Gone,” “First Time,” “Whatever It Takes,” and “Hanging By A Moment.” For the die-hard Lifehouse fan, this was a set unlike any other—the crowd was treated to brand-new songs, performed live for the very first time, along with the hits that made this band a staple in the American-rock genre.
Pick up Lifehouse’s latest release, Almeria, available now.
