Big Thief wander onto the stage of Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, their free spirit the only prop on a stage which basks in a warm glow more familiar to a campfire meet, perfectly complimenting their earthy, folk-driven indie, perilously stained with eerie undertones.
With a set leaning heavily on last year’s double album Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You, their first album to be produced by drummer James Krivchenia, the Brooklyn quartet initially dip into the unsettling alt-folk of 2019’s UFOF. Vocalist / guitarist Adrianne Lenker’s fragile vocals waver precariously against the soothing sway of guitar on opening number Terminal Paradise, originally a track on her 2018 solo album abysskiss, as the beauty and brevity of our mortality is laid bare. Her wails send an uplifting chill over the audience, Krivchenia’s drums foreboding to the bitter end and Max Oleartchik’s bass as exposed as his toes, peering out towards the audience from threadbare socks. This is followed by From, which was also first featured on abysskiss, Lenker’s repetitive flurry of turmoil mesmerising the swaying crowd.
Guitarist Buck Meek takes to the mic to thank support band L’Rain, a sentiment later echoed by Lenker who gushes about the Brooklyn songwriter / instrumentalist aka Taja Cheek who earlier performed a roaming, experimental set with her collective of musicians. But on with the main act, Big Thief settling into a riot of percussion on Time Escaping, its breezy, addictive beat lifting spirits, Meek all elbows and knees as he contorts his body, his guitar tucked under his arm like he’s about to make a quick getaway. Fortunately he stays put as Lenker’s track Zombie Girl takes three attempts to get going, the number recalling a terrifying episode of sleep paralysis she once suffered. We’re rewarded with a full airing in the end as lush, discordant guitar creates a dream-like haze, with echoes of Bob Dylan in Lenker’s longing cries.
A selection of tracks from Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You include the flourishing reverb of Flower of Blood and staggering title track, Lenker’s vocals at once mellow and off-kilter as dark waves of effect-strewn guitar lunge towards its peak, in a delivery so much bolder live. Meanwhile Sparrow’s aching melancholy sends shivers through the crowd, Lenker’s cries oozing like the poison is indeed inside her while Certainty’s comforting harmonies enchant.
Later in the set they head back to UFOF and although its exquisite title track isn’t included, Cattails’ bittersweet rays charm the crowd while the beguiling dissonance of album opener Contact stuns, Lenker’s breathless and otherworldly presence drawing us in, her quivering intones creeping over the edge of consciousness before finally coming up for air, those primal screams set loose against deliciously skewed guitars.
Fan favourite Not, from 2019’s Two Hands, is sadly not to be tonight after an issue with a member of the audience results in the number being cut short and second attempt ditched, Lenker deciding the moment’s passed. The jubilant crowd momentarily deflate before thriving on set closer Change, lead single from Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You.
At Lenker’s request, it’s house lights up for the encore, the band hell-bent on drinking in the moment and appreciating the faces of their adoring fans at this sell-out show, taking nothing for granted, even with several Grammy nominations under their belts. By the same token, for a band so lyrically-discerning, Lenker earlier articulates her appreciation of tonight’s venue with delightful simplicity, giggling like a nervous child on stage for the first time as she looks around in awe, telling us it’s “large, with a ceiling that is high” making her irresistibly endearing to the crowd.
After her solo rendition of A Thousand Years Or More, her brother Noah trots on to the stage for the quirky cacophony of final number Spud Infinity, instantly ticking the Big Thief ‘no dress code’ box with a fine looking boiler suit. And with just one pluck of his jaw harp he drums up the biggest applause of the night, which, in the presence of the critically-acclaimed Big Thief is truly quite a feat.
Although the night feels a little disjointed at times, spontaneity is key to Big Thief’s live performances. And let’s face it, who needs bells and whistles when you’ve got songwriting and musicianship as astute as this? They just need to ensure Noah continues to stay out the way until the last number, glory hunter that he is!
Buck Meek will be back cavorting with his guitar in Edinburgh in August.
Words: Shirley Mack @musingsbymarie
Pictures: Calum Mackintosh@ayecandyphotography