The Lumineers Light Up Sacramento Again
Denver’s folk-rock outfit The Lumineers took the stage at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday, marking not only their latest album but two decades of musical camaraderie. What started as a gentle spark ignited into a heartfelt reunion.
Frontman Wesley Schultz, drummer Jeremiah Fraites, and their ensemble kicked off with “Same Old Song,” the lead track from their new album “Automatic”. The vocals initially felt subdued, a minor hiccup in an otherwise confident performance. Seven musicians commanded the stage, fluidly swapping roles in a meticulously crafted set that highlighted their individual flair and collective chemistry.
A standout moment came when Schultz roamed the arena during “BRIGHTSIDE,” high-fiving fans. The crowd was thrilled, eagerly recording videos and greeting him. He covered one side of the arena for the first verse and the other for the second. It’s uncommon for band singers to leave the stage, but Schultz turned it into an unforgettable experience.
Another memorable moment occurred when each band member took a verse, culminating in an electrifying drum solo. Later, a barefoot performer leapt onto a piano during “Donna,” then wove through the crowd, balancing on railings while strumming a guitar. Even the playful tambourine tosses in “Ophelia” added to the narrative weave.
The Lumineers’ sound, stomping rhythms and soaring choruses blend folk-rock with a near-medieval fervour, all pounding drums and raw emotion. It’s like a marching band infused with yearning. Schultz’s twangy vocals pair with instrumentation that veers from chamber pop to gospel-tinged folk. The familiarity of their style fades under the weight of their conviction.
The visuals were striking yet unobtrusive. Crisp projections created near-3D illusions: a car crash unfolded in slow, spinning fragments for “Where We Are,” while “Gloria” paired with a cinematic cityscape that matched its rising tempo.
Schultz cut a compelling figure, gruff and intense, yet disarming between songs. He reflected warmly on the band’s journey, from small Sacramento venues 15 years ago to headlining the Golden 1 Center. In a tender moment, he shared the recent loss of his younger brother, dedicating a poignant cover of Justin Bieber’s “Ghost” to him. As he sang, “If I can’t be close to you, I’ll settle for the ghost of you,” the arena glowed with a wave of phone lights, heavy with shared grief.
Live, their songs bloomed. “You’re All I Got” carried a raw edge, “Cleopatra” danced with an Irish lilt, and “The Dead Sea” hushed into a tender whisper. They finished the night with fan favourite “Stubborn Love.” It was a night to remember, and Sacramento eagerly awaits The Lumineers’ next visit.
Photos (c) Arik Ruiz
