Leah Blevins and Morgan Wade were on the bill at The Garage, and this sold out venue had pretty much filled up by the time Leah Blevins came on stage.
in an ankle length floral black and white dress, long, blonde hair cascading down her back, there was a warm and welcoming feeling enveloping the space.
As country as country can be, Leah begins by tentatively asking us, “How y’all doing?” before telling us this is her debut in London and as the lights turn pink, she begins her eight song set with Crisper Wisdom followed by Beautiful Disaster. Her songs, unapologetically honest, tell us stories of mistakes, being lost, being in love, when it all goes wrong…
She understands"
Everything about Leah is gorgeous- her personal, emotive lyrics are woven around effortlessly simple, sequenced chords, her fingers gracefully gliding across and amongst the pearl-engraved frets and strings.
Leah’s voice is distinctive – plaintive, raw, whiskey and honey- and to increasing applause, number by number, she strums and finger-picks her way through catchy, melodic, emotion-filled songs. Broke Down and Little Birds (written for her sister’s wedding) have her trademark suspended and diminished chords that combine with relatable words to create a gentle, insistent poignancy. Her latest release, First–Time Feeling– shows romance, wistfulness and integrity, showcasing Leah’s strong yet sweet tone and her ability to connect with listeners. She understands.
Her voice fully warmed up, she brings her heartfelt, poetic set to a close with I Aint Good– darkness illuminated by feelings of warmth, recognition and something ultimately powerful- hope.
Leah’s beautiful, engaging set is a detailed collage of feelings, a colourful patchwork of experiences, and a rich anthology of poems…
In her own words, she “wraps up all that pain with a bow on top.”
Leah Blevins opened for Morgan Wade at The Garage, Islington – 20th June 2022
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