LoveJoy

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are a little band from the South Coast of England called Lovejoy,” rang out across The Fillmore in Charlotte on November 21st, kicking off a night that was anything but little. The stunning venue for the One Simple Tour had sparkling  chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and vibrant lights flooding the room as fans danced and sang their hearts out all night long. 

The Montaines were an unforgettable opener for the evening, bringing their unique alternative rock sound to North Carolina. From the moment they played their first note, they captivated the room with their chemistry, warming up the crowd for Love Joy’s highly anticipated set.

As Love Joy made their way to the stage, a brief message played. White text on a black screen read: “Everything is a symbol, everything has a meaning, you must do one simple thing, INTERPRET”.

On tour for their latest release, One Simple Trick, there was no better way to start with the album's opener, “Baptism”. Frontman and guitarist Wilbur Soot took no time showing off his playful dance moves, instantly energizing the room. Backed by bassist Ash Kabosu, guitarist Joe Goldsmith, and drummer Mark Boardman, the room came to life in a blur of lights and sound as they played through “With Rob as My Witness” and “Common Touch”. 

Mixing in their older songs, such as “One Day” and “Normal People Things,” was a nostalgic throwback to their 2021 and 2023 tracks, before bringing us right back to the present for “White Shark Cafe”. “Deathbox” and “Foxholes”.

As the band continued to flip between both recent and previous releases, the audience only wanted more. Soot said a quick “thank you” before stepping off the stage, leaving the fans screaming and chanting for an encore. 

“We have a couple more songs for you tonight. I better hear you singing along as loud as you can,” Soot exclaimed before launching into “Pay & Display,” “Portrait of a Blank Slate,” and “The Fall”, a dream for Love Joy fans, as every audience member watched the band completely entranced in the finale. As chants faded and house lights came on, fans began reminiscing immediately, discussing their favorite parts of the night, proving Lovejoy’s impact on Charlotte was impossible to ignore.

Review by Bek Allegretti

Photos by Landry Hutchens & Bek Allegretti