LIVE: THE DECEMBERISTS – April 12, 2015 (Knoxville, TN)

Venue: Rhythms ‘N’ Blooms Festival

City: Knoxville, TN

Date: April 12, 2015

Review and Photographs by: Jeffrey Everett

This year’s Rhythm n’ Blooms Festival featured over 100 live shows from both local and national artists. The indie rock band The Decemberists capped off the three day event as the final act. The outdoor stage was set up in Knoxville’s Historic Old City. By show time, the place was packed. Ticket sales topped 10,000 this year and it seemed most were in attendance for the show. The crowd was electric as the five member group from Portland Oregon took the stage. They opened with the apropos “The Singer Addresses His Audience.”  Lead singer Colin Meloy did just that. He chatted with the audience between songs. Topics ranged from explaining the message of the songs to poking fun at the VIP section for being the only ones seated during their performance. The band seemed to be having as much fun as the crowd. Their performance was nothing short of amazing. Colin’s vocals have a unique quality that distinguishes their sound from any other group. Two backup singers were present providing an additional boost. The Decemberists are musically diverse with the use of the harmonica, accordion, and melodica along with the usual guitar, bass, and drums. The sum total was a harmonious collaboration. After their set, they returned for an encore. The last of which was the “Mariner’s Revenge” complete with a giant whale prop, audience participation screams, and band members feigning death. The Decemberists are a great live act, certainly fitting to highlight the festival.  If you’re not familiar with their work, they have seven albums since inception in 2000. Be sure to check them out!

​THE DECEMBERISTS LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: Live Reviews