During their latest tour, we caught up with the popular roots-rock sisters, Larkin Poe. On a cold Wednesday night in Islington, it soon became clear there was heated interest in the rock duo with the length of the queue alone; it was also quite an impressive venue too!

Once the sold-out show got started, it seemed apparent that we were in for a high energy Blues-rock experience, which captivated the audience immediately. The room size seemed perfect to watch the show; big enough to generate a great atmosphere, yet not losing that intimate feel, you were never too far from the action. Credit also has to be given that, although Larkin Poe have a good following, the duo are far from a popular UK name, yet the Atlanta duo had comfortably filled the London Venue.

The sisters (Rebecca Lovell and Megan Lovell) played some of their newest songs; Aint Gonna Cry and Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues, off their latest album Venom & Faith, plus also throwing in a few covers including; Preachin’ Blues and the famous Black Betty.

The duo opened up to Tom Devil, greeted with a loud roar from the audience. Although the song isn't the liveliest, it wasn't long before the full band action got started with Summertime Sunset. Next was one of their more popular songs Trouble In Mind, from their previous album Reskinned (2016). All their songs were delivered with powerful vocals and perfect harmonies, not to mention being highly proficient on their guitars! Megan plays slide, along with lead singer Rebecca on electric.

Next up was Black Betty, this was an obvious crowd-pleaser that instantly got them clapping to the beat, this was featured on their 2017 album Peach. The set continued with; Look Away (written together), Preachin’ Blues (song written 100 years ago). Black Betty and Preachin’ Blues are both on album Peach. In addition, these have also received a great response online, racking up high numbers of streams and views. They continued with; Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues, Freedom, Honey Honey, Black Echo, Don’t, Hard Time, Mad As A Hatter, Might As Well Be Me, Blue Ridge Mountain and Wanted Woman – AC/DC.

As the show finished, the room filled with cheers along with foot-stomping encores. Larkin Poe returned with two more songs Come On In My Kitchen and Run For Your Money.

Rebecca and Megan bounce of each other both vocally and instrumentally, almost in a way that two siblings could only produce- you can almost feel the bond.

An obvious stand-out feature of the duo is the impressive and prominent slide guitar, played by Megan. Throughout the show she would slip into impromptu slide solos. In a genre of music generally dominated by men, this seems to add to the uniqueness of them.

Style wise, Larkin Poe could easily appeal to a wide audience. A blend of blues, country and rock. They're a group which could easily tempt a new-comer into the genre.

Interaction with the audience was great, we even spotted some "Larkin Poe lookalikes" within the crowd, sporting their infamous style and haircuts. It was also mentioned that this performance was their largest sold-out gig on their tour, at the Islington Assembly Hall.

Currently on tour, Larkin Poe are continuing to outsell similar Venues throughout Europe. They're also no stranger to larger gigs, having twice played Glastonbury (2014 and 2016), plus touring with the likes of Elvis Costello, Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, and Keith Urban. Last year they performed with Jackson Browne and Don Henley, as part of a tribute to Tom Petty.

As well as producing high energy live shows, their social presence is impressive too. With some videos on Facebook exceeding 9 million views, their unique twist on covers, recorded mainly with phones seem a real hit with, not only their existing fans but the wider public too.

Larkin Poe are from Atlanta, Georgia, currently residing in Nashville. Their latest album; Venom & Faith is out now. Visit http://www.larkinpoe.com.

Next year they return back to the UK at Manchester, Gorilla, March 10th. Earlier today they also announced they are playing the Black Deer Festival in Kent, UK, 21st – 23rd June, 2019.

A clip we got from Islington Assembly Hall: