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Automatic World Tour Live at Kia Forum
August 12, 2025 Review by Matt Martinez
Some of the biggest bands around yearn to make a stop at the legendary Kia Forum in Los Angeles, with many saying performing on this stage can be a bucket list venue.
The Lumineers have performed on the Forum stage before, but this was their own headlining, sold-out, two-night stay. The indie folk rock stars hit the road in support of their latest album, “Automatic,” and are bringing a plethora of bands to perform as support.
The various bands are playing a few stops before changing the lineup again, this night, the indie-pop darling Tom Odell got things started.
Tom Odell took his seat behind the piano, then pivoted at an angle so that we could see him while performing.
He opened his set with “Don’t Let Me Go,” and instantly I was blown away by the presence of the power of his voice.
TOM ODELL
Odell’s singing carried so much character and weight to the lyrics, I couldn’t help but be drawn into them.
When Odell did an upbeat pop song, he played with so much bounce to his body, it was surprising that he could be contained to the seat of the piano. During a soft, heartbreaking ballad,
I could feel his voice become somber as he leaned into the emotion of the song. Tom Odell’s set was a musical journey of a standout artist, showing his incredible talent with songs “Can’t Pretend,” “Spinning,” “Grow Old With Me,” “I Know,” “Black Friday,” and “Another Love.”
When it was time for The Lumineers to take the stage, they exploded with “Same Old Song.” The slamming kick drum, driving the beat from drummer Jeremiah Fraites is amazing. Then vocalist Wesley Schultz joins in, showcasing his trademark vocals.
The staging included a catwalk extending into the audience that allowed the performers to be surrounded by their adoring fans.
With each song, I felt as if The Lumineers were transporting us to sitting in a rocking chair, on a porch, as the sun set across a wheat field.
There was a sense of peace and tranquility that comes with The Lumineers’ music that you don’t get from other genres.
KIA FORUM
Los Angeles, California
August 8th, 2025
The vibe of the music may have painted the picture of performers playing in a small town bar on a Friday night, but The Lumineers had taken over the Forum and needed a show that filled this historic space.
At times the lights would dim in the venue as small lights illuminated from the ceiling, as if the venue had just been taken over by fireflies.
There was a 30-foot video screen behind the band, projecting colors, shapes, and images to add texture into the visual presentation of the songs.
The crowd even got surprised by confetti cannons adding to the grandeur and climax of the show.
The band managed to blend small town music with arena rock theatrics for nearly two hours of music which included “Flowers in Your Hair,” “You’re All I Got,” “Charlie Boy,” “Ho Hey,” “BRIGHTSIDE,” “Salt and the Sea,” “Strings,” “Big Parade,” and ending with “Stubborn Love.”
The Kia Forum was turned into a small-town club where fans of indie rock were in musical bliss.
From the people who were lucky to be at the foot of the stage, to the fans in the nose bleeds who wanted to be in the room – we closed our eyes and got lost in The Lumineers’ music.
The music was beautiful, the energy in the room had us all connected, and we were all there to just experience life together in one big beautiful moment.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Red Hair Images Photography
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SID 250812 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
