Even though lead singer Colin Meloy remarked to the packed audience of the Decemberists’ show last night at the Electric Factory in Philly that he was trying for “less talk, more rock” no one seemed to mind listening to Meloy’s thoughts on the election, his nickname for “fightin’ Joe Biden” or following his request to sit down in the middle of a song. Before I get to the craziness of the Decemberists though, let me talk a little bit about the opening act.
Loch Lomond, a band also hailing from Portland, Oregon, opened up the show last night to an anxious crowd. I'll admit I was skeptical how they would be when 7 band members came out to the crowd and the lead singer started to sing in a bizarre falsetto. After 1/2 of the first song I changed my mind. Reminiscent of Sufjan Stevens and Stars (and especially during one song -"A Field Report"- Mark Mothersbaugh's score from "The Life Aquatic"), Loch Lomond became my new favorite undiscovered band. Their folksy feel was a result of the harmonizing melodies as well as instruments including the bass clarinet, violin, tambourine and during one song a strange tube that one member swung around above her head to make an eerie whistling sound.
What began as strange evolved into a puzzle to figure out exactly what noises where coming from who/where, and where the song would go next. One minute the band would be singing softly into the microphones, then would step back and shout the same line. This made watching them an unusually exciting experience, as I find that opening acts are more of a hassle to listen to while you're waiting for the main act. The songs were orchestral and enchanting, and made me want to hear more.
After Loch Lomond exited the stage, the Decemberists were up. Walking out to strange sounds and clanging symbols into the microphone, I was kind of apprehensive about what was going to happen. First let me explain where I'm coming from: You know those bands that you like, but have haven’t seriously listened to? That's how I am with the Decemberists. Until a few days ago, I loved the few songs I knew, and I even owned "The Crane Wife" but had never really listened to it seriously. This show changed that.
I have been completely convinced that lead singer Colin Meloy is either insane or a genius. The whole night was fantastic, and Meloy sounds exactly like he does on the band's records, only better. With lyrics that are often wordy and prose-like, Meloy was able to sound crisp and effortless throughout the night. Known for their knack for storytelling, they were able to keep the audience singing along to songs like “The Perfect Crime #2,” and “The Engine Driver,” where Meloy himself sings “I am a writer, a writer of fictions.” The band also played their new singles “Valerie Plame” and “O New England” from the “Always a Bridesmaid” series of EP’s.
The audience was also excited to hear the more upbeat “O! Valencia,” “July! July!” and “16 Military Wives.” As everyone sang along, Meloy found the opportunity to get some audience participation, encouraging the singing. At one point Meloy started an unofficial Russian dancing contest in the middle of the audience, and later had the entire audience sit down together as he laid on the stage still singing as strong as ever. In another stunt during “Culling of the Fold,” Meloy sang as he climbed up from the stage on top of equipment (with his microphone wrapped around his neck) to reach the upper level of the venue. As he kept on singing, Meloy was helped by fans to hold on and turn to look out at the people below him.
There was also quite a bit of political talk during the show. Meloy talked to the audience about Obama’s victory in the presidential election, and during one song had everyone chant “Yes we did!” in response to his “Yes we can!” Although the band performed songs like “After the Bombs” that were written during a less optimistic time, Meloy made note of this and discussed his hope for the future with the audience.
The energy and commitment of the band made the show an amazing experience, keeping the audience engaged and excited for every song. There was no lull, and even though the night seemed to go on forever no one ready to leave as the Decemberists left the stage. It was one of those shows that make you excited to go listen to more of the music when you leave, and while I’m anticipating their new album (coming out in early 2009) I’ll be catching up by listening to their expansive catalog in the meantime.
-Molly
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