I walked into the event grounds as L.A. psych-rock outfit Entrance was walking on stage.
Their set was enticing. Band leader, Guy Blakeslee, has an intensity about his delivery that made everything he projected feel entirely important. I knew nothing about the band going in, but left a fan of their sound and of the cohesiveness with which they play.
In between the opening act’s set and the headlining act taking the stage, I just walked around and did some people watching.
Except for about hundred and fifty people standing at the base of the stage, the majority of the crowd was sitting and enjoying the late-day sun or standing in line to replenish their drink.
A feel-good vibe was abundant in the air.
Josh Tillman, aka Father John Misty, and his troupe walked out before the gathered mass of eager fans.
They started their set with the title track from the 2017 release Pure Comedy.
Tillman’s stage persona has matured since I last saw him in 2015 at Pemberton Music Festival. He used to play the drunken poet roll and he seems more intense now.
The stage lighting managed to be rich and full despite the sun still somewhat illuminating the sky.
Father John Misty tracked around the stage, delivering the poetic gospel in his lyrics.
Looking out at the people swaying sweetly to the songs and singing along when they knew the words, it reinforced that feel-good vibe from earlier.
When I think of music from our generation that will last and stand the test of time, I think often of Reverend Misty. He had surrounded himself with talented musicians, e delivers thoughtful, personal lyrics with a soulful but smooth voice, but biggest of all he commits his entire being to the music when he performs it. When he is on stage you can see the music flowing from every fingertip.
Thank you to both bands for wonderful sets.
Please come back soon, Vancouver misses you both already.
Setlist
Pure Comedy
Total Entertainment Forever
Things It Would Have Been Helpful to Know Before the Revolution
Ballad of the Dying Man
Birdie
A Bigger Paper Bag
When the God of Love Returns There’ll Be Hell to Pay
When You’re Smiling and Astride Me
Strange Encounter
Nothing Good Ever Happens at the Goddamn Thirsty Crow
Funtimes in Babylon
Nancy From Now On
Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)
True Affection
Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings
I Love You, Honeybear
The Ideal HusbandEncore:
Bored in the USA
Real Love Baby
So I’m Growing Old on Magic Mountain
Holy Shit