Larkin Poe Illuminate the Vic Theatre with Southern Swagger and Soul — Bloom Tour Review

On May 17, 2025, Larkin Poe brought their electrifying Bloom Tour to Chicago’s Vic Theatre, delivering a performance that masterfully blended Southern grit with modern blues-rock flair. Georgia-born and Nashville-based sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell captivated the crowd with dynamic musicianship and raw, heartfelt storytelling, reaffirming their role as torchbearers of contemporary Southern rock.

The evening roared to life with “Nowhere Fast,” a bold opener that set an energetic tone for the night. The set leaned heavily on their newest album, Bloom, with standouts like “Summertime Sunset,” “Easy Love Pt. 1,” and “Bluephoria” showcasing the duo’s evolving sonic palette. Fan favorites such as “Mockingbird” and the thunderous “Bad Spell” punctuated the night with crowd-pleasing familiarity. One of the most moving moments came with their haunting rendition of “God Moves on the Water,” where the sisters’ harmonies wove a spellbinding, spiritual tension through the room.

Rebecca's searing vocals and commanding guitar work lit up the stage, while Megan’s lap steel added a soulful, aching counterpoint rooted in blues tradition. Their sisterly chemistry radiated, especially during the show’s stripped-down acoustic segments—gathered around a single microphone, the duo cultivated an intimate, communal vibe that brought the Vic’s historic charm into sharp focus.

Visually, the performance leaned into a rustic Southern aesthetic—warm lighting, minimalistic stage design, and vintage tones—that mirrored the emotional range of their setlist.

Larkin Poe’s stop in Chicago was a glowing testament to their ability to honor the past while forging a bold path forward. Blending timeless blues influences with fearless rock intensity, the Lovell sisters delivered a night that felt both steeped in tradition and vividly alive with new possibility. For those catching them on the road, the Bloom Tour promises a performance that’s as rootsy as it is revelatory.

Photos by Steve Sym from the Larkin Poe performance at The Vic Theatre in Chicago on May 17, 2025.