For some unexplainable reason, some artists have success in countries other than their own, and American singer-songwriter Lissie falls squarely into that camp. Her initial UK success in 2010 with her debut album, Catching A Tiger, has been sustained well into a second decade. Following a tour of smaller venues in Autumn 2022, the Ohio-based singer is back in larger venues with a longer tour, and her best album for about ten years.
2022’s Carving Canyons was a real return to form, full of the kind of indie-folk-rock type of songs Lissie built her name on. Her set in Bath is liberally sprinkled with tracks from it, the break-up song ‘Sad’, title track ‘Carving Canyons’, and the catchy ‘Lonesome Wine’ are the highlights, and at times Elizabeth Maurus does sound spookily similar to Stevie Nicks – who she was regularly compared to early in her career. There’s a sparseness to the stage that lends itself to Lissie’s brand, it’s homespun lyrics, earthy guitar music, and a proper band; guitar, bass, drums, keys.
The early stuff, breakout hit ‘When I’m Alone’ , its superior sibling ‘In Sleep’ with the best guitar solo/instrumental break you’ll hear this year, all sit well alongside the career-spanning rest of the set. ‘Oh Mississippi’ showcases the voice, as does ‘Everywhere I Go’, before closer ‘Little Lovin’ descends into a jamming session. Starting in a denim shirt and jeans, ending in a white t-shirt and jeans, the Illinois born singer is right at home at Komedia in Bath, a fitting venue feeling, as it does, both stripped of any pretence and delivering a great experience.
Special mention also to support act Cat Clyde who played the sort of opening turn that main acts must hate; an assured performer who is stack full of top quality songs. Still, none of that was quite enough to take the spotlight away from Lissie, who continues to hold a place in the UK’s collective affection.
Lissie is still on tour on the UK with some tickets left for show. Check out her official website for links.
