reCAP :: The Decemberists w/ Lucius :: 2015.09.24
The whimsical indie-pop/folk pioneers, The Decemberists, enchanted the Capitol Theatre on September 24, 2015 with fan-favorites, interesting requests, and new material. Frontman and lead songwriter Colin Meloy strutted out on stage pouring a glass of red wine, setting the tone for the rest of the evening with a beautiful rendition of “The Crane Wife 3.” In support of their latest EP “Florasongs” which comes out October 9th, The Decemberists are currently touring the country, charming venues with their unique, intimate feel. Meloy commented on how much he loved audience members singing along to his songs, but for “Why Would I Now,” their latest single, “You can’t sing along to this one!” Meloy exclaimed.
The diverse instrumentation the band displayed was remarkable: backing frontman/guitarist Colin Meloy included Jenny Conlee on keyboards/accordion, Chris Funk on lead guitar/lap steel, Nate Queery on bass, John Moen behind the kit, and two unnamed background singers who added delicate harmonies to top off the unit. One of the singers played mandolin and 12-string guitar as well, strengthening the unit’s full sound. Jenny Conlee’s instrumentation was particularly impressive; on “O Valencia,” she whipped out a xylophone to complete each chorus.
Meloy took the Cap on a journey into his artistic fantasyland with theatrical, hyper-literate pop songs including lyrics often referencing biblical times. As the Capitol Theatre has balconies on each wing, Meloy pointed to a woman on the balcony and exclaimed, “You’re the duchess of Yonkers!” as he clearly lives his artistic life in a fairytale.
At one point during the set, Meloy and drummer John Moen traded places: as Meloy played a steady beat behind the kit, Moen started doing an Irish jig. Jealous that he wasn’t involved, guitarist Chris Funk called an audience member up on stage to play guitar for him so he could dance as well! Shortly after, during an acoustic ballad, Meloy signaled the audience to sit down on the ground. A stunned but engaged audience did as they were told, and then excitedly got back up shortly after the command dancing away to “The Chimbley Sweep,” and “Fits and Starts.” Aside from a dramatic stage presence and odd audience requests, Meloy navigated the historic rock palace through fan favorites including, ”Make You Better” and “Down by the Water,” displaying a strong Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) vocal influence.
The band’s first visit to the theatre was welcomed with both die-hard fans and newcomers, as many sang along to every word of the bands set. Meloy’s soft spot for Port Chester became relevant, as in between songs, he told a story about a favorite shirt of his growing up that was coincidentally from a Port Chester motorcycle shop! “It traversed puberty with me - we took quite a long journey together!” It’s nice to see a modern band at the Cap once in a while, as it’s a change of pace from the jam-world that the theatre is normally used to. However, failing to ignore the theatre’s history, Meloy commented, “It would be uncool to murder a Grateful Dead song here!”