ALBUM REVIEW: Landon Noland – Live In Concert Downtown Orlando

a perfect sampling platter of Noland’s superb showmanship talents, through a collection of shimmering renditions and genuinely fascinating original tracks

At 15, I was busy being scared of my own shadow and collecting trading cards. Not Landon Noland though. The Florida based singer-songwriter began to hone his style at the open mic events in local Orlando, and the amount of time Noland has put into his craft truly shows.

Taken from his performance at The Abbey on October 13th, ‘Live In Concert Downtown Orlando’ is perhaps a perfect sampling platter of Noland’s superb showmanship talents, through a collection of shimmering renditions and genuinely fascinating original tracks.

Kicking things off with a cover of ‘Feeling Good’ is a brave choice; the legendary track popularised by Nina Simone has been covered by all manner of musicians, from Canadian crooner Michael Bublé, to stadium giants Muse. Noland here chooses not to go for wild vocal acrobatics, and instead delivers a restrained but vividly soulful performance, his bluesy tones like sonic silk, accompanying the fantastic music backing that pops with a particularly intricate percussive performance.

This is followed up with a rocking performance of Elvis Presley’s ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, where Noland can really begin to push his vocals and show some real power. Regardless of whether he’s belting from his chest or delivering his vocals with little more than a whisper, Noland is pitch perfect across the span of this entire set, with a genuine talent that is impossible to deny.

The entire performance is captured in fantastic quality, with none of the musical component losing any of their energy or power, whilst also capturing an audience that sounds in high spirits. Applause and cheers round out each track, brimming with genuine enjoyment. It’s clear that as a stage performer, Noland certainly is able to grab the attention of the audience.

A particularly beautiful cover of Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’ stands out as a clear highlight here. The track’s original spacey electronic backing is translated across wonderfully into an intricate acoustic guitar led affair, whilst Noland captures the track’s emotional dichotomy of furious desperation and painful vulnerability perfectly through a captivating vocal performance.

As previously mentioned, Noland’s original material is fascinating. Progressive and theatrical, with an ambitious scale and sound that one might expect from perhaps Soundgarden or Dream Theatre. No better is this exemplified than on the rapturous closing track, ‘Numbers’.

Noland’s performance is one of powerful conviction, and even a little mystique. The track builds to a dramatic, sweeping climax, bringing the whole set to a simply effervescent close as Noland establishes himself as more than just a great singer; Noland is a great musician.

Clocking in at just over thirty minutes, ‘Live In Concert[…]’ perfectly whets your appetite for more. Noland and his accompanying live musicians put on a great show that translates just as well on recording, leaving the listener wanting to hear these tracks polished up with a studio recording, sealed with Noland’s signature style.

Keep a close eye on Landon Noland. There’s a talent here that’s rare to see.

RATING: 79/100 – Mostly Very Good

For Fans Of: George Ezra, Hozier, Haunt The Woods, Muddy Waters

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Instagram // Spotify