Live Review: LANY - Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver 17/06/2019

LANY bring their infectious dream-pop to Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

The American trio quickly grew their large fanbase when whispers of a new, 80s inspired synth band began circulating in 2015. Back then it was bedroom-pop, simple (yet effective) hooks devised from the comfort of a home studio. ‘4EVER!’ is still on their setlist and thankfully, most of the crowd are hardcore fans tonight - all screaming out the lyrics to the notorious I Loved You EP track.

Heartbreak is transformed into delicious melodies with LANY’s aesthetically pleasing sound - and it appears most fans have latched on to that with each track. They dance with friends, arms round one another, holding roses in the air - aesthetically pleasing, like I said.

Other favourites come from the Kinda EP in 2016, ‘Yea Babe No Way’ and ‘Pink Skies’ echo round this huge venue, recorded by at least a dozen phones at every second. We also have the self-titled debut and sophomore Malibu Nights records to work with and whilst this means some cherished tracks are missed, the latter is fully appreciated.

If there is one thing quite obvious at LANY’s shows, it is the undying love that the trio have for their fans. Racing across the frontline, singer Paul Klein makes a run for the seated rows. Immersing himself in the action, he props up on the arm of a chair and dances alongside the crowd. Shouting the lyrics with them, holding their hands and ultimately showing his commitment to LANY.

Closing with ILYSB, Paul turns to band member’s Jake Goss and Les Priest, explaining how grateful he is for the pair, adding ‘we have been LANY, we are the best band in the world’ - a bold statement, but one that is fully backed by this incredible performance.

As they begin to play this final number, everyone decides to give every last ounce of energy they’ve got until this chill anthem becomes an eruption of rhythmic hands clapping together, relentless screams and a sea of hands and bodies in the air. Afterwards, fake roses lay on the ground as if in memory of this show, aesthetic.

Words and photos by Alice Hadden.