Gig Review: Jason Manns and Louden Swain

Saturday November 5th saw Jason Manns & Louden Swain’s European tour close out with a triumphant final show in London at The Good Ship. Following on the heels of three fabulous shows in Birmingham, Berlin and Vienna, the final night of the tour did not disappoint!

Jason Manns

Show opener Jason Manns quipped that he was ‘There to relax everyone before Louden Swain came on and woke everyone up again!’ Manns delivered a strong set, showcasing the soulful and melodic sounds that fans have come to know and love from him. Jason mixed it up, performing songs from both his debut self-titled album, and his sophomore record, ‘Soul’ as well as a couple of covers, performed in his own unique acoustic style.

Two of the members of Louden Swain, Rob Benedict and Michael Borja, joined Jason Manns on stage for a brilliant rendition of ‘Steal My Kisses’ which had an almost Barbershop Quartet feel to the harmonies. After which Borja left the stage whilst Benedict joined Manns in singing the ever popular ‘Crazy Love’. Jason closed out the set with the title track from ‘Soul’ to an enthusiastic response from the crowd who were eager for more.

Billy Moran & Rob Benedict

Luckily they did not have to wait long as Louden Swain, comprising of Rob Benedict on vocals and rhythm guitar, Billy Moran on lead guitar, Michael Borja on bass and Stephen Norton on the drums, launched into a high octane opening number which instantly engaged the crowd, many of whom had not previously seen the band perform live.

Louden Swain are known for delivering an energetic set which paces along perfectly without ever becoming too frenetic, and this set certainly delivered on that score. Their American rock sound has an interesting twist which sets them apart from other similar genre acts. The set at The Good Ship demonstrated their tight guitar work and rhythms perfectly, as well as showcasing the lead vocal talents of Benedict, in addition to the vocal harmonies from Borja, Moran and Norton.

Michael Borja

The band all play well off each other, and Rob Benedict is an engaging front man, who created a great rapport with the crowd. Louden Swain’s set comprised of songs off their last record ‘A Brand New Hurt’ as well as a number of tracks of the forthcoming album ‘Eskimo’ which is due for official release on January 17th, but which can be pre-ordered from LoudenSwain.com now.

Crowd favourites were ‘Medicated’ from ‘A Brand New Hurt’, a slower number which is by turns funny and tragic, and the title track from their upcoming album ‘Eskimo’, as well as the first single from the new album entitled CA Nation. The band got Jason Manns back on stage with them

Stephen Norton

to close out the show and the tour, performing their track ‘Alright’, complete with a crowd pleasing interlude where Rob Benedict and Jason Manns slow danced together before the fast paced guitar work and soaring harmonies kicked back in, ending the show on a high.

Keep checking our news page for updates on Jason Manns and Louden Swain appearing at a venue near you, and don’t miss your chance to see these two great acts live.

For more details on albums, merchandise and upcoming shows or other appearances check out their websites.

Jason Manns official website can be found at www.jasonmanns.com.

For all things Louden Swain, head on over to www.loudenswain.com

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Photos ⒸRay Andrews