The indie-rock group The Love Language is no strangers to the Triangle-music scene. Since 2008, the group has played to crowds at favorite hot spots such as Cat’s Cradle, Local 506, Kings, Red Hat Amphitheater, Lincoln Theater and the Haw River Ballroom. After Friday, Oct. 23, the group can add Dorton Arena to that group of venues.
The group started as a solo project by frontman Stuart McLamb. The first album, The Love Language, drew the attention of another local band, The Rosebuds. So impressed by the album, the Rosebuds asked that The Love Language be its opening act. And, so began the band.
The group signed with Merge Records and released its second album, Libraries. Its third album, Ruby Red, was released in 2013.
McLamb describes his music as bleeding heart pop and lo-fi energy. “We like a lot of different types of music and like to blend things in,” he said. “We have a good time on stage, and hope the energy carries out into the crowd.” McLamb is joined on stage by his brother, Jordan.
“We’ve had lineup changes as a band but Jordan has been a constant. He’s coming down from Roanoke to play the fair.”
At 6’10”, Jordan is quite literally a big presence in the band. He’s played drums, bass and, at the fair, he’ll be on electric guitar.
As a Triangle-area native, McLamb is no stranger to the fairgrounds. He grew up in Cary and is a 1999 graduate of Apex High School. “Growing up, we would go to Dorton Arena to see the circus or the Raleigh Ice Caps play,” he said. “Every year we could make it we would also go to the fair. I love the food and supporting the smaller local food places. I usually get barbecue or a big turkey leg. I don’t go crazy for the fried food – like Oreos.”
One place at the fair not to look for McLamb is the drop tower ride. “I don’t think I have a fear of heights, but that ride freaked me out,” he said. But then added his girlfriend might talk him into it.
Check out The Love Language, along with the Chapel Hill group, The Spiderbags on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 in Dorton Arena. Admission to all concerts is free. Fans wanting floor seats, should pick up a ticket at the Dorton Arena Box Office on the day of the show.
