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Father John Misty (Photo by Nicholas Ashe Bateman)
Father John Misty recently began his headlining North American tour in support of Chloë and The Next 20th Century, his acclaimed album of 2022. The summer and fall tour features support from Sub Pop labelmate Suki Waterhouse, and it includes a stop at The Anthem in DC on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
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Orville Peck croons the night away at Union Stage on Sept. 21, 2019. (Photo by David LaMason)
Whether it’s the smooth baritone croon, the old west cowboy veneer, or perhaps the well talked about mystery behind the fringed black mask that draws you in: Once you witness Orville Peck, it’s hard not to be a fan.
Low wows a sold-out show at the Metro Gallery on Sept. 11, 2019. (Photo by David LaMason)
It may seem strange talking about a band that hails from Duluth, Minnesota, but there’s a feeling I get when I see them perform that makes it feel like they’re from here — Baltimore, that is. Possibly the first time I saw them was right across the street from the Metro Gallery, where they performed to a sold-out crowd Wednesday night.
Luluc performs at the City Winery on Dec. 5, 2018 (Photo by David LaMason)
Luluc, the Australian duo of Zoë Randell (vocals/guitar) and Steve Hassett (guitar/vocals/keys), visited City Winery on a chilly Wednesday night. But both venue, with its intimate feel — combined with the beautiful sounds of Luluc — warmed up an attentive crowd.
Blitzen Trapper celebrates the 10th anniversary of Furr at the Rock and Roll Hotel on Oct. 5, 2018. (Photo by David LaMason)
Blitzen Trapper, the five piece from Portland, Oregon, has been going strong for well over 15 years now, but it’s their 2008 album, Furr, where most fans got their start with its experimental Americana and vivid lyrical imagery. Blizten Trapper celebrated the 10th anniversary of that album at Rock and Roll Hotel on Friday.
Wolf Parade rocks a sold-out Ottobar on Aug. 29, 2018. (Photo by David LaMason)
Have you ever listened to a song and you swear to yourself you had to see this band to see if they are real? I came to the Wolf Parade party a little late. I had heard their second album, At Mount Zoomer, from a friend who had made a copy for me and I liked it, but for some reason it wasn’t until the follow up, Expo 86, that I really came around to see what amazing musicians and songwriters Wolf Parade are. The band reminded me of that at Ottobar on Aug. 29.
Father John Misty performs at The Anthem on August 2, 2018. (Photo by David LaMason)
Father John Misty by now needs little introduction. After four critically acclaimed albums in just under six years, Josh Tillman, whose stage moniker is known just as much for his off-stage words as his sarcastic and often self-deprecating lyrics, has made a name for himself. But with his latest album, God’s Favorite Customer, he focused on more personal matters. Delivered in that great Harry Nilsson meets Randy Newman style, the bite was still there, but it was more focused at The Anthem on Thursday.
Fleet Foxes captivates at The Anthem on May 18, 2018. (Photo by David LaMason)
Fleet Foxes made its return last year with the release and subsequent tour for Crack-Up (Nonesuch Records). The record is filled with the same self-reflective lyrics, swelling music, and gorgeous harmonies as the band’s previous two records, but it seems like a more focused record. After six years between Helplessness Blues and the new LP, it’s a refreshed welcome home for this band whose debut album turns 10 years old as of this writing.
Loma captivates at DC9 on May 2, 2018. (Photo by David LaMason)
Back in December 2016, I went to see one of Shearwater’s last shows of the Jet Plane and Oxbow tour at the Ottobar in Baltimore. It was a cold night, and the stage was festooned with large lights as part of Shearwater’s stage set up. The opener that night was a duo called Cross Record. Primarily using keyboards and guitars, the band — made up of Emily Cross and Dan Duszynski — created beautiful landscapes of sound.
So it was a joy to hear that over the past year Emily and Dan had started making a record with Jonathan Meiberg of Shearwater in a band that eventually became Loma. Loma performed at DC9 on Wednesday.
The Afghan Whigs rock a packed Rams Head Live on April 27, 2018. (Photo by David LaMason)
The Afghan Whigs have been playing their brand of rock channeled through a heavy dose of dark soul for over 30 years. In fact, 2018 saw the 30-year anniversary of their debut Big Top Halloween. So, it’s a testament to their longevity that last year they released one of their best albums, In Spades, in their extensive catalog. Maybe it’s due to the steadfast style Greg Dulli (vocals/guitar/keys) and company — which also includes John Curley (bass), Rick G. Nelson (guitar/keys/violin), Jon Skibic (guitar), and Patrick Keeler (drums) — haven’t tried to change that unique style.
In a great show at Rams Head Live in Baltimore on Friday, The Afghan Whigs gave that style its due.