Last week, Liverpool-born songwriter Michael Nelson, better known as BANNERS, brought his All Back To Mine Tour to an electric close at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles. With support from rising group Culture Wars, the gig was an intimate showcase of two of the best and brightest artists in the alternative space right now.
Austin-based alt-rockers Culture Wars kicked off the night with a high-energy set that engaged the crowd and set the standards high for the rest of the night. Frontman Alex Dugan’s voice was smooth and versatile, switching between soulful, gritty vocals and smooth, almost falsetto-pitch runs, such as on hit track “Heaven.” Culture Wars’ set, although brief, proved that the band is certainly one to watch. With their guitar-heavy tracks that feature an ambitious pop twist, the group’s unique genre-bending sound captivated the audience and most definitely won them a number of new fans — including myself.
Shortly after Culture Wars concluded, BANNERS took the stage. BANNERS is a project that I’ve been a fan of since their self-titled 2016 release. I was mesmerized by Nelson’s ability to create hauntingly beautiful yet optimistic tracks, unlike anything I had ever heard before. Since the debut EP, Nelson has released a number of singles and EPs, along with three stunning full-length albums. Admittedly, I was not incredibly familiar with the most recent release, April’s All Back To Mine. However, hearing the new tracks live proved that 8 years after his debut, Nelson continues to masterfully craft tender, charming tracks with an alt-pop edge.
Set (and album) opener, “Name In Lights” is a bold, cinematic track about supporting the people in your life relentlessly. The song set the tone for the rest of the set: authentic optimism and gratitude. Throughout the set, Nelson made sure to express his gratitude for everything: the success of the tour, support from Culture Wars, the crowd, his band, the crew. Moreso, he took the time to chat and interact with attendees, adding a further intimate feel to the cozy venue. Nelson’s true appreciation and hopefulness is part of what makes him and his music as BANNERS so likable — it’s all, without a doubt, genuine.
The rest of the set was a mix of newer tracks like the anthemic “Have You Ever Loved Someone” and ballad “The Best View in Liverpool” with classics including 2016’s “Half Light” and single “Got It In You.” After closing the set with hugely popular “Shine A Light,” Nelson and his band came back on stage within seconds, as he quipped “Can you imagine if we ended without playing ‘Someone To You?!’” The four-song encore ended with BANNERS treating the crowd to two versions of the track — one acoustic, followed by the bouncing, high-energy original to end the night, and furthermore, the tour.
BANNERS continues to prove that it’s a project that can truly stand the test of time. The rousing tracks about love, friendship, and hope translate perfectly to a live setting to make for an unexpectedly empowering live experience. With a powerful performance that showcased his ability to blend emotional depth with infectious energy, Nelson and his incredible band gave Los Angeles an incredibly unforgettable evening.
BANNERS — AUGUST 20, 2024 — THE TROUBADOUR (LOS ANGELES)
