Written by Kayalani DeGrave
After recently reviewing the new album, Bright Future, by indie-folk artist Adrianne Lenker, I got the opportunity to experience her music and so much more in its purest form at The United Theater on Broadway. Located in downtown Los Angeles on a street lined with old theaters and venues, the United Theater immediately stood out for its retro ambiance and swarm of music lovers waiting eagerly for the doors to open. Upon my first foot inside, I immediately fell in love with the theater. From the wall-to-ceiling murals to the eerie chandeliers to popcorn stands every few feet, it was evident to me that this night would be more than just a traditional concert, it would be an experience uniquely its own.
I found myself in an eclectic crowd of maxi skirts, denim vests, knee-high boots, and lots and lots of jewelry. Strangers and old friends mingled alike, building a sense of assurance and community before the show began. I even befriended an usher who engaged me in the theater’s vast history beginning as a challenge to the film studio system, to an old church, to the stunning venue that it is today. With a community so united from the start, this night was bound to be unforgettable and full of love.
Lenker is the lead singer for the popular indie band, Big Thief, but in contrast to their high energy tunes, her solo work tends to be raw and stripped down. However, Big Thief’s influence remained central throughout the night. Buck Meek, Lenker’s band member and the night’s opener, emerged from the darkness with an acoustic guitar and a cheery grin. Beginning soft and intimate, Meek exuded a sweet demeanor and set reminiscent of a perfect road trip playlist. Leaning back in a vintage wooden chair and strumming with a floppy thumb, Meek glided through vocal registers effortlessly. We were delighted to hear two new songs upon introduction from Big Thief’s group rule: if you have a new song, you have to play it. Fortunately, this rule held true the rest of the night and manifested itself into beautiful moments later on.
As soon as the lights dimmed, the room roared. Adrianne Lenker scurried onstage with a pulled-up hoodie to cover her face and a playful run, gracing the audience with her endearing personality at the first impression. Little did I know, this endearment was only the beginning. Adrianne Lenker is incredibly talented with an extensive musical career, but what stood out more to me was her stage presence. While beginning as a solo act, her rich voice and pristine picking left every note captivating. The theater was entirely honed in even during tuning transitions, nothing but individual strings ringing the air. Many songs such as “symbol” had a cycling guitar line repeat itself, but Lenker’s twangy voice stayed agile through descending runs.
Throughout the set, Lenker transitioned seamlessly between her solo work and Big Thief hits. A personal favorite was “Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You” by Big Thief. Amidst this song, I realized the intricacies of Lenker’s physical performance. Not only did she use her guitar to emulate a full band, pounding on it like a bass drum in between strums, but her entire body was involved through every chord. With her foot as a double-paced timekeeper, rocking shoulders full of emotion, and a bobbing head, the audience was enchanted. At one point, I glanced behind and saw an entire balcony unknowingly bobbing their heads in unison to Lenker’s beat.
Steve Fisher was the first musical guest to join the United Theater spotlight. Popularized for his online covers of Lenker’s songs, Fisher announced it “the honor of a lifetime” to play in front of Lenker and her community. At first, I thought that the two would perform a duet, but instead, Lenker took in his magic for herself, even brought to tears admitting “that was so beautiful.” Announcing Steve Fisher as one of her heroes, she then invited another personal hero, Buck Meek, back onstage. While the two noticeably played guitar very differently, Lenker’s strums tight and controlled and Meek’s loose, they remained in sync, tightly harmonized, and emotionally connected.
As Meek waved goodbye, Lenker bantered about Larry the Cucumber (yes, from Veggie Tales), one of the night’s many interlude jokes. She began singing a childhood song, again enamoring the audience with her frisky energy. She then brought out two musicians who worked on Bright Future, Josefin Runsteen and Nick Hakim, to play songs including one of her biggest hits: “not a lot, just forever”. With Runsteen on violin and Hakim on piano, the instruments added an ethereal feel and overall sense of nostalgia for classic folk music.
Returning to the ever-important Big Thief rule, Lenker played two new songs and “Bright Future”, the title track that never made it onto the album. While I’ve listened to Lenker’s music before, seeing it live was an entirely different experience. I felt personally connected from observation and audience engagement, not to mention a lively twist to many of her songs that are traditionally softer in recording. Her bright personality, funny voices, and physical gestures could only be fully experienced live and I am surely grateful to have gotten to know this side of her.
Little sniffles and tears could be heard in between songs, not out of sadness, but out of identification with the musician. This music means something to so many people for its messages and delivery, including the 1,600 seated Saturday night. Adrianne Lenker is more than a musician, she is a total artist, just as Bright Future is its own work of art.
As Lenker returned for an encore, exclaiming “get ready, here we go!,” I only wished that the night would loop back to my first foot in the door.
