How to describe Lake Street Dive? The five piece band have somehow synthesised many corners of US pop and soul music into their own distinctive blend with an irresistible party vibe.
London’s Roundhouse was sold out and bouncing for their first UK gig for six years, a testament to their enduring ‘off the radar’ popularity, founded on a succession of excellent albums, and their reputation as a fine live act. And they didn’t disappoint, with a twenty song-plus set list, with their latest 2025 album release “Good Together” prominently featured. Opening with the title track with its synth stabs and a classic soul vibe, its off-kilter time signature adding extra spice, the band have the audience in their pocket right from the off. Following hot on its heels, ‘Far Gone, with insistent double-time percussion, has a power pop/Blondie-esque feel.
Throughout the set lead vocalist Rachel Price demonstrates her versatility, her powerful vocal sometimes shading to Aretha Franklin territory, sometimes to Carole King, always convincing in her delivery. Fellow band members comprise Bridget Kearney on bass and backing vocals, Mike Calabrese on drums and backing vocals, Akie Bermiss on keys and vocals, and James Cornelison on guitars and backing vocals, forming an uber-tight unit. The band formed in Boston in 2004, meeting while studying jazz at the New England Conservatory of Music, and their new album—their eighth—features songs mainly composed ‘ensemble’, including lyrical and compositional prompts from a twenty-sided dice, taking the band in unexpected directions.
The band’s latest release is at the heart of their set, highlights including ‘Get Around’, with a powerful funk beat, ‘Seats at the Bar’ with a Latin vibe and sweet 60’s style keys motif and ‘Party on the Roof’ with strong Motown leanings, before the band move centre stage for a three number acoustic session, including an old favourite, ‘Side Pony’, back in the set by request, we learn.
A cover of Shania Twain’s ‘Still the One’ is followed by ‘Twenty Five’, a moment to catch one’s breath, a sensitive ballad on a fondly remembered relationship fated not to last, Price singing “I’ll always be in love with how you loved me”, recalling idle times with her lover at the local Waffle House. ‘Dance With a Stranger’ is full-on neo-soul, with a smooth Philly feel, and its refrain ‘dance with a stranger till they’re not a stranger anymore’, an opportunity for Price to venture out into the audience to live out the lyrics, dancing with her audience members.
Back for their encore with two crowd-pleasing oldies, ‘Rich Girl’ and ‘Good Kisser’, Lake Street Dive left the stage having cemented their reputation as one of the best live good-time bands around.
Support act Alisa Amador, also from Boston MA, performed an engaging and personal set, with an indie folk vibe, on electric guitar, with unexpected highlights including deep breath relaxation exercises, shared statements of affirmation ( “I feel safe/I feel really loved/I’m really cute“), and an opportunity to let out anger with an ‘inner toddler’ scream. With powerful vocals, Amador will be worth checking out at a couple of shows coming up later this month at the Green Note, Camden Town.
“Twenty five” is one of the best and most evocative songs I’ve heard. Great vocals from Rachel Price, but credit too to Bridget Kearney who wrote it.