Okkervil River
with Jack Ladder and Fall Electric
» A Death In The Family - venue, Sat, March 21
» Okkervil River return for brief stopover in September - June 1, 2006
» Laneway Festival 2008 - Fowlers Live, SA - February 23, 2008
» Okkervil River at The East Brunswick Club - East Brunswick Club Hotel, Vic - September 8, 2006
» Take Me to the River - Zoo, The, QLD - September 6, 2006
» Deerhoof - April 1, 2007
» Okkervil River - September 10, 2006
I thought 8 pm would be sufficient to catch some of Fall Electric before Jack Ladder and Okkervil River, but unfortunately, I missed their set. Jack was on stage pumping out his signature baritone, looking like he’d been doing it for ever, and people were milling about all over the place. He gradually won the crowd over with his casual, comfortable stage manner and primed us for the main event with some upbeat numbers. A short break followed, and then, seemingly out of nowhere, Will Sheff and Okkervil River took the stage.
I was expecting a rootsy affair, but what I got was a lot of rocking out. Tracks like “Black Sheep Boy,” “So Come Back, I Am Waiting” and “For Real” defined the night as predicted, but the consistency of engaging songs was impressive, and the performance never faltered. The energy seemed on tap, particularly in “The Latest Toughs,” and the guys honestly looked like they were enjoying themselves throughout the show, as were the crowd. Another highlight of the evening was the instrumental prowess demonstrated by the band. Instruments included trumpet, harmonica, mandolin (I think) and keys as well as the traditional vocals, guitar, bass and drums, and they all fit together harmoniously, creating good atmosphere. Perhaps the only missing factor for this gig was the fact that the crowd wasn’t particularly familiar with all of the material, but I’m sure this will be different in the future because the merch table was busy as I made my way for the door after the encore.
In his bio, Sheff states: “College droned on. Each of my nervous breakdowns fell away when I made the most important decision of my life: to be a total failure. A professional failure. I relocated to Austin, as did Seth, and Okkervil River was born.” I’m not sure whether it’s fortunate or unfortunate for him, but on the back of this show Okkervil River is doomed to succeed. One thing is for certain; it’s fortunate for us, and the prolific Okkervil River are sure to release more gems in the future.
