photo by Dave Lichterman (view set)

Considering all of the terrific live sessions Cheryl Waters is witness to in the KEXP live room, it's rare she'd be knocked speechless after a first song. But clearly London Grammar has learned from the best. Through the moody atmospherics of guitarist Dan Rothman and keyboardist Dot Major and the smoky soulful voice of Hannah Reid, the young UK trio is already drawing strong comparisons to contemporaries like Daughter, the xx, and Florence Welch. In studio, their emotive power was undeniable. Starting with with "Hey Now", a song released somewhat mysteriously late last year and now one of the band's early hits, Reid, Rothman and Major collectively build each song into a slow burn, like fanning smoldering embers. "Strong", a favorite among KEXP listeners, soars gloriously, and the contemplative "Interlude" drifts off gently and forlornly. It's easy to see (and feel) why London Grammar are quickly turning the heads of all who hear them worldwide. Watch their entire KEXP in-studio session here... and be carried away...

Full Performance: