2010 Newport Folk Preview - Part 4: The Low Anthem

As the story goes, two years ago The Low Anthem volunteered at the Newport Folk Festival, collecting recyclable bottles and handing out copies of their record to anyone that would take one.  They returned triumphantly last year as performers, playing to an overflowing crowd at the Water Stage.  This year they return as local heroes to play the main stage.  While their ascent in the last 2 years has been remarkable, The Low Anthem remain incredibly humble and grounded - just a group of talented musicians who travel from town to town to play their songs for those who will listen. 

Theirs is one of my most anticipated sets of the weekend.  2008's Oh My God, Charlie Darwin and 2007's What The Crow Brings are both incredible albums, nearly note-perfect.  However, I'm most excited to to hear the evolution of the new songs that will comprise their upcoming record.  Ghost Woman Blues, Take Out Your Ashes, Dreams Can't Chase You Down and the handful of other songs I've heard so far are devestatingly honest and heartbreaking songs that show amazing growth in Ben Knox Miller's songwriting.  Below is a full recording of The Low Anthem's recent show in Portland Maine - including some fantastic covers, including The Band's Evangeline with members of Brown Bird.  Highly recommended.

The Low Anthem
SPACE Gallery - Portland ME
April 23, 2010

To The Ghosts Who Write History Books
Ticket Taker
Apothecary
Sally, Where'd You Get Your Liquor From
Charlie Darwin
Ghost Woman Blues
Evangeline
Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around
This God Damn House
Home I'll Never Be
Cigarettes, Whiskey & Wild, Wild Women
Cage The Songbird
Take Out Your Ashes
Dreams Can't Chase You Down
Ain't No More Cane
The Horizon Is A Beltway
Maybe So

Full set download

Live Video: The Low Anthem

The Low Anthem's live show is captivating and inspiring - every time I see them, I leave in awe.  The band makes organic, beautiful music that is breathtaking in its purity.  I had the pleasure of seeing them twice recently; the April 20 show from the Paradise in Boston was documented via a crystal clear soundboard recording.  I'm now happy to share some excellent video from the Portland Maine show that took place just two days later.  The combination of a dimly lit stage and brightly backlit backdrop make for tough video conditions - but, with some added effects, I think the result is striking.  The band, cast in sepia tones and playing the melancholy "To The Ghosts Who Write History Books" against a backdrop of pulsing electric blue creates a startling contrast.

There may be more videos to come from this show - stay tuned, and enjoy.