Concert Review: The Low Anthem at Club Cafe

I'd first heard The Low Anthem after reader JP saw them open for Ray Lamontagne back in April and offered us a review. At that time, he wrote:

Each member of this trio played no less than three different instruments, and it was the first time in a while that I didn't want the openers to leave. Mournful and deep turned to knee-slapping, good vibrations on a dime -- imagine a dark Sigur Ros that morphs into something happy and bluegrassy.

Perhaps if I'd gone back and read that review (or done any research at all) before Tuesday night's show, I wouldn't have been so surprised to see that there are only three people in the band. After listening to the CD over the past week, I was sure this would be a band of five or so to create the sonic soundscape these guys manage to conjure up. After seeing them and going back for a listen, it's easier to pick out the sparse but fulfilling instrumentations that allow them to sound so rich.

On the softer tunes, Jeff Prystowsky and Jocie Adams' voices blend like air behind Ben Knox Miller's lead vocals to create that thick but natural sound. This was on proud display as they started off with the choirlike "Charlie Darwin," trailing that with "To Ohio."

Then, surprisingly early, came the highlight of the night. Prystowsky jammed on the upright bass for a minute or so to lead into a houseburning rendition of an old blues, "Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around." They lit it up, and just blew me away. In fact, if pushed, my only criticism of the show would be that they didn't save this one for last.

The Low Anthem manage to really exploit their shared talents as multi-instrumentalists without showing off or trying too hard. Each member moves effortlessly between his/her respective tools and they craft songs like old ships. What does that mean? I don't even know.

With a range of songstyles, they also do a great job of juxtaposing loud and soft throughout the set, such as taking "To the Ghosts..." into "Where'd You Get That Liquor From" or following up "This Goddamned House" with the biblical "Ticket Taker."

With one part Art Garfunkel and one part Tom Waits, The Low Anthem create a modern folk that inspires on record and really comes to life in concert. Prystowsky and Miller have a genuine on-stage chemistry, and looked to be having fun despite suggestions that all the touring in support of the re-released Oh My God Charlie Darwin has become exhausting.

Finally, I don't want to forget about Joe Pug, who provided a great set of heartfelt, Springsteen-style folk before The Low Anthem went on. With just his guitar and harmonica, he managed to be way more on stage than another guy with a guitar and a harmonica. He's got an all-American voice, and his ability to turn a clever phrase echoes the likes of John Prine. One complaint: What kind of fan goes to a folk show and proceeds to sing every word of every song louder than the performer himself? Come on.

Download The Low Anthem:
Low Anthem have a handful of live shows available for download on their web site, right here.

Stream Joe Pug: