Cloverton - Live at the Cup ‘O
Joy
Saturday, April 20, 2012
Cup ‘O Joy, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Hearing Cloverton over the airwaves immediately reminds the
listener of offerings from the first LP by Third Day or various works of Eli.
Watching Cloverton perform reminds the viewer of the excitement in witnessing a
strong storm on a wonderfully warm summer evening – electric and pulsing
between clashes and booms of lightning then the quiet before the next surge.
As Jeff Boyte, the opening act, worked through their set I
entered the artist’s lounge at the Cup ‘O Joy, a Christian concert house in
Green Bay, Wisconsin to talk to the band’s members. Members of Cloverton, an
up-and-coming pop Christian band with two dominant EPs over the past two years,
relaxed in a way only faith can provide when about to share your gifts to a
large audience. In this case the house was packed to capacity. As we talked
while members of the band discussed their set list I witnessed their close
comradery, full of fun and faith with energy to expend beyond normal limits.
An energy emitted from the band to the audience from the
moment Cloverton walked onto the stage to the conclusion of their set. Beginning
with the emotive energy of lead singer Lance Stafford on piano, acoustic guitar
and accordion and continuing with Layne Stafford on bass, Kirby LeMoine on drums
and Josh Svorinic on guitars the band was tight to the tune and lose to have
fun. Both music and lyric presentation showed deep rooted faith and emotion
while a light comedic flair between offerings kept the audience close to the
band’s message.
From the set’s opener, ‘The End Is The Beginning’, to the
finale, ‘Father’s Love’, the night sparked with emotion and hope. With ‘The End
Is The Beginning’, Cloverton’s current hit, showing great pop sensibility. Selections
from both Cloverton EPs included ‘Send Down Your Grace’, ‘Take Me Into The
Beautiful’, ‘Hope inside’ and ‘Be Lifted Higher’. Their set included hymns and
popular Christian songs with ‘Blessed Assurance’, ‘O Taste And See’, ‘Someday’
and others. Musically, each offering was tight. Emotionally, each offering was
meaningful.
Lance Stafford’s stage presence and natural humility make
for an immediate crowd connection. This along with the Cup ‘O Joy’s close
artist-to-audience atmosphere made for an electric evening – unique, fun, faith
filled.
Faith is often found in a place where energy and emotion
collide. This place is where Cloverton performs their art on stage. Oh, come
taste and see!
Scott S. Mertens
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