In a red dress with a stiff drink in hand, Philly's Birdie Busch greeted show goers from the stage, commenting on the weather and sharing stories from the road. Currently on tour in support of Penny Arcade, Busch and her band began the night with fittingly orchestrated songs like "Cup" and the romantic, though subtle "Lampshade." Between smiles, onstage banter, and the sound of police sirens from outside, her set was close to picturesque, keeping the upstairs of Johnny Brenda's transfixed by its serenity. Ending with "So Many Passwords" and the apt "Hometown," Birdie Busch and Co.'s set gave way to the headliners for the night, Rhode Island's The Low Anthem.
Soon after taking the stage to a backdrop of applause, Jeff Prystowsky feverishly plucked away at a weathered upright bass, introducing the band's rendition of the traditional Gospel song "Don't Let Nobody Turn You 'Round." Combining early Americana sensibility with bluesy undertones, the Low Anthem's opening number, with its wailing harmonica and Southern Baptist vibe evoked a sense of jubilant perseverance against some unseen persecution, burden, or hardship.
Second in their mellow, folk-influenced set was "To the Ghosts Who Wrote History Books," featured on their latest full length Oh My God, Charlie Darwin. Played out with sublime relevance, Ben Knox Miller's deliberate vocals and haunting harmonica blended perfectly with Prystowsky on pump organ and Jocie Adams on clarinet. Followed by a song written by a former band member and roommate, the bitter "This God Damn House" preceded the lovely and swoon worthy "Cage the Songbird." Sounding as if transported to the present from musical yesteryears, the Low Anthem's coupling of early American tradition and familiar indie themes kept the crowd silent and satiated, entranced by the precision and lyrical landscapes.
"Home I'll Never Be," with Miller's raspy, roaring shout-like singing incited more than reserved head nods, inspiring foot stomps and claps from the audience. "Charlie Darwin," the presumable title track to their most recent album, paid homage to evolution's founding father. Miller's ethereal and soaring vocals, coupled with Adams' accompaniment on the Crotales, set the mood for the song, bringing to mind this year's celebration of Darwin's bicentenary. The latter part of their set was fragmented by a minute long exit followed by a short encore. Ending with "Bird on the Wire," sincere thanks, and goodbyes, NPR darlings The Low Anthem left the stage, leaving show goers, including Rachel Yamagata, dumbfounded and amazed.
Set List:
Don't Let Nobody Turn You Round
To the Ghosts Who Wrote History Books
This God Damn House
Cage the Songbird
Cigarettes and Whiskey
Home I'll Never Be
Charlie Darwin
Blind Walk the Blind
Ticket Taken
Wagon Wheel
Take Me Slow
Bird On the Wires
