Railroad Earth; Avett Brothers @ Slowdown

Amazingly, I managed somehow not to devote my entire summer to traveling for music. I was lucky enough to take a two week trip with my BOTheads to a couple festivals and a mini Phish tour in early June, but have since been on kind of a musical drought. Luckily, the scene has since picked up quite a bit in my area, keeping me plenty busy and entertained also.

Read more after the jump!

Sunday, August 16th was the date for a duel-billed show at the Slowdown in Omaha, NE, consisting of Railroad Earth and The Avett Brothers. I've seen Railroad Earth numerous times, and know that they always put on quite an exciting and fast-paced show. On the flip side, I'd yet to catch the Avett Brothers, but was more excited than a kid on Christmas to see them, as I’ve heard nothing but excellent things about their live shows. Slowdown seemed like nothing short of the perfect venue, especially after changing from the less than exciting Sokol Hall.

We were a little slow to get to the venue, as the worthless Omaha cab drivers can’t understand even the simplest of instructions. Imagine that. Arriving about halfway through Railroad’s set, the crowd was already into it, getting down for the evening. I preceded to make my way to the bar, beginning my demise, or better yet, continuing where I left off. Railroad always puts on an electric set filled with danceable newgrass. There consistency is what keeps bringing me back, as they are definitely one of the premier bands in their genre these days. With two sets at this summers Wakarusa Music Festival, they drew one of the larger crowds for the weekend. This show was no different, as the energetic Sunday night crowd proceeded to shake their asses the entire set. Railroad Earth was amazing as ever, but we still had another wonderful set to go, with The Avett Brothers set to take the stage soon.

This night would be my first time taking in the Avett Brothers live. That might not seem like a big deal, but considering I've had so many opportunities to do so, it kind of was to me. They'd been at several festivals I've attended, but for some odd reason, perhaps divine intervention, I'd yet to see them. Slowdown fit their build quite well, allowing the artists to project their musical talent onto the quaint, but fierce crowd. Their live show is exactly what any Avett's fan should expect; their studio albums on crack! Each band member plays their part as if the last ounce of energy in their body was used to do so. From slow folk tunes, fast numbers that got the crowd moving, and solo ballads, the Avett's could do it all.

Throughout the night, fans were shouting out songs they wanted to hear, as so many do at shows. I've always refrained from doing so, as I figured if the artist wanted us to hear that song, they'd play it. Somewhere during the set, in my drunken stupor, I managed to yell out “Murder in the City”, an amazing acoustic track off of their album, The Second Gleam. Much to my chagrin, Seth Avett almost instantaneously replied, "you got it!" It was as if we were having our own conversation. Cheesy, I know. Seth was the only member on stage as he belted out the lyrics with just his guitar in hand. It slowed the set down for just a second, but each note pouring out was like bliss to my surly ears. I was able to go to sleep happy that night, but still had much of the set remaining. The transitions that these guys are able to make a such a moments notice only compliments their true musical talent, often going from a high energy moment, to a relaxed, acoustic melody in the blink of an eye. To sum up the show in one word, I would have to say splendiferous!

Although this was my first time seeing them, it will surely not be my last. I’m particularly excited for when their latest studio effort, I and Love and You hits shelves in late September. Nothing I've heard from these guys has yet to disappoint, and I have a good feeling that trend will continue.

It was kind of scary how two acts from the “same category” could both be so opposite on their particular twist on the genre. Although their sounds differed tremendously, they seemed to compliment each other quite well, and hopefully earned fans from both sides of the spectrum. I already knew what Railroad was made of, and now have even more respect for the Avett’s. I think I’m not the only one in attendance that night who has the same mindset.

Sorry. The last picture wasn't the prettiest, but look at John Skehan of Railroad Earth's face. Now he's fuckin' into it!!!

The Toastman