Live Review: L.E.J. at The Lower Third, London 2024
Last night, the intimate venue The Lower Third, tucked beneath a pub in London’s Soho neighbourhood, hosted a captivating sold-out performance by French vocal trio L.E.J. The group, whose name is an acronym for the singers Lucie, Elisa and Juliette, delivered a spirited set blending original songs and creative covers for an enthusiastic crowd comprised largely of French expats.
The evening began with an energetic opening set from Parisian artist Maïcee. Her punchy sound fused elements of hip-hop, grime and electronic music, complemented by sharp, witty lyrics. Maïcee’s performance set an upbeat tone and built anticipation for the headliners.
Taking the stage, L.E.J. immediately engaged the audience with their signature mix of harmonies, cello, keyboards and percussion.
The setlist drew heavily from their most recent Albums, including standout tracks “Paris En Hiver,” “Mots Noirs,” and “La Dalle.”
Between songs, the trio bantered with the crowd in a charming blend of French and English, furthering the warm rapport. Alongside their original material, L.E.J. are renowned for their inventive covers and mashups. Highlights included a stirring rendition of Sam Smith’s “Unhappy,” an ’80s medley that had the whole room singing along, and “Seine-Saint-Denis Style,” their French-language reimagining of Psy’s “Gangnam Style.”
The trio’s classical training shone through, with their precise vocals and instrumentation elevating each song. The set built to a euphoric conclusion with “Summer 2015,” a fan favorite that spotlights the group’s knack for uplifting melodies and lyrics. For Pas l’time, L.E.J. got the crowd moving from left to right alongside the music and Juliette’s bass.
With their joyful stage presence, stunning harmonies and inventive arrangements, L.E.J. proved why they’ve built such a devoted following.
