A menacing storm cooked in the sky behind the Main Stage as Wilco kicked off one of the last of the festival’s sets. Lightning bolts flashed, causing many people to exit early, and after a few songs, I sadly had to join them, hoping to catch part of Major Lazer before I ventured home.
What I did see of Wilco’s set was a great opening that brought politically-charged “Ashes of American Flags” up first, then the more uptempo “Bull Black Nova.” The first had been a smooth and almost mellow transition into the show, and the second a more raw, guitar-driven piece. The band supplanted each with terrific instrumentation, particularly in the following “Company in My Back,” which sparkled with twinkling piano notes and Tweedy stretching his voice all over the place.
There was not a lot off fuss to any of the songs I got to hear, but that simplicity was beautiful and Wilco-defining. It was a shame to walk away from, but they undoubtedly proceeded with an outstanding folk rock performance that was sure to close Sasquatch! in just the way it required.
