Nicole Atkins rocked the stage in black patent heels on Thursday at the Troubadour in LA, declaring her love in a sultry and powerful voice. Opening for Atkins was five-man band The Parlor Mob, who delivered a Zeppelin-esque kickback to rock n' roll. For a band hidden behind their long hair, The Parlor Mob quickly wailed their way into my heart and audiences'. One of the two guitarists brought enough character to the stage with his eclectic dance moves that made up for the shy bassist who never turned away from the drummer (who took swigs of beer between songs).

Following The Parlor Mob was Let's Go Sailing, comprised of female leads backed up by their men on guitar and drums. Put this band in the run-through-a-meadow, or for times-of-major-catharsis genre, a perfect furrow for Nicole Atkins. Taking the stage just before 10 pm, the confident songbird of New Jersey charmed the audience with four talented musicians backing her hometown-inspired feel good songs.

With a website picture that does not do her justice, the short-statured Atkins had the audience smitten by the second song. A more energetic Brandi Carlile, the quirky Atkins talked with the crowd between songs. Letting the crowd in on the secret of her third song Atkins explained that in her hometown of Asbury Park there was a carousel she visited often with her grandfather before it was shut down. The band then tore into a catchy tune, complete with a xylophone, which artistically captured the spirit of childhood and carousels. Ending with 'Love Surreal,' Atkins and band brought an original sound to the stage that has obvious staying power.

The show was gooood! Check some music below!

From the awesome "Neptune City" album