ragility meets power with Big Thief's unique spin on folk rock and droves of Chicago fans packed the Metro to honor the Brooklyn-based band. The prolific group just released their fourth studio album, 'Two Hands', which has been received with much acclaim from critics and many sold out shows from fans. Lead vocalist Adrianne Lenker has captured a large audience with her fragile voice that cuts to our core with thought-provoking lyrics.
Many popular bands today are merging feelings of confusion and despair with a visceral need to be heard, creating this realm of fragile power that speaks to the masses. An opening set from Palehound did just this with Ellen Kempner providing elegant warbling that paired nicely with full-fledged rock crescendos and guitar solos. 20 minutes into their set the venue was basically completely full and the staff removed the security barrier to make sure everybody fit. By the time stagehands were setting up the equipment for Big Thief's set, every inch of the club was accounted for and there wasn't a place you could stand without brushing up against another fan. Large screams were hurled at the stage once the four members of Big Thief walked out. Adrianne Lenker shielded herself from the crowd with a gray hoodie and looked nervously at her band before beginning the first song. This snippet seemed to encapsulate the honesty, shyness, and modesty of this folk band that everyone is talking about. As opposed to reveling in their fame and stroking their ego's, BIg Thief lets the music do the talking for them. Despite Lenker's silent greeting of the crowd, she delivered an excellent performance that showed what she and Big Thief is all about.