Before North Carolina-based quartet The Mountain Goats took the stage, the crowd was treated to a stellar performance from support band Gfully Tender. Comprised of several former members of Palma Violets and Celia Archer of The Big Moon, Gfully Tender showcased an impressive array of American folk-inspired tunes and ballads. Its soft and relaxed atmosphere quickly attracted the audience, raising energy and enthusiasm levels.
As the stage darkened, “Bad Ambassador” by La Divina Comedia played, signaling the arrival of Las Cabras Montés with a subtle rather than dramatic preparation. The lighting was modest, with no elaborate backdrops, allowing the music to take center stage. They opened with “Lizard Suit”, a jazz song with a subtle funk bass. This dreamlike jazz sound reappeared later in the set with “Darker in Here,” contrasting with rawer guitar elements. “Carne Abandonada” from the album Goths It also stood out as a jazz highlight, enhanced by saxophone solos. Although The Mountain Goats have never leaned significantly toward the gothic genre, frontman John Darnielle received ecstatic applause when he acknowledged World Goth Day throughout the set.
Over the past three decades, The Mountain Goats have drawn on a variety of influences. Songs like “The Diaz Brothers” and “Clean Slate” from their latest LP Jenny of Thebes It had an E Street Band vibe. The most emotional songs in this style were “This Year” and “Only One Way”, a duet with Kathy Valentine. The deeply personal lyrics and powerful final words, “There will be banquets and dances in Jerusalem next year. “I'm going to survive this year even if it kills me.” resonated strongly with audiences, especially in the current global climate.
Heavier songs, influenced by 90s indie-rock and grunge, included “Lovecraft in Brooklyn” and the more upbeat and melodic “Make You Suffer.” The heavier song, “Murder at the 18th St. Garage,” was well received despite the lack of headbutting and moshing.
Darnielle also performed two solo songs: “So Desperate” and “Sinaloan Milk Snake Song.” The first delved into doomed relationships, while the second expressed the frustration of being able to name places but not the people who impacted him positively. These songs are stronger without the full band, showing the intensity of Darnielle's lyrics. The following “No, I Can't” highlighted the beauty of Darnielle and Peter Hughes' harmonies. Other standout tracks included the country-influenced “Water Tower” and “Palmcorder Yajna,” which impressed with lyrics like “Carpenter ants in the dresser. Flies on the screen. It will be too late when we know what these cryptic symbols mean…”
Celebrating over thirty years as a band, The Mountain Goats also marked twenty years since the release of We will all be healed, his deeply emotional first autobiographical album. With 22 well-received albums to date, they did not need to rely on anniversary performances of key albums. Instead, the challenge was to offer a broad cross-section of her music without disappointing fans. At Camden Roundhouse, disappointment was not an option.
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