Gettin' Their Kicks, Man: Okkervil River At Webster Hall

Okkervil River; Damien Jurado; Jonathan Meiburg
@ Webster Hall
New York, NY - September 28, 2007

Okkervil River has found a way to bridge symphonic pop with Texas blues and yet has somehow also found a way to not sound poppy or bluesy at all. Led by the enthusiastic if a tad trippy Will Sheff, Okkervil can belt out an array of tunes that invoke something of an art house Roadhouse. At the same time, they can occasionally cross over into dullsville, but that is rare and fleeting. "Unless It's Kicks" is the best example of the band at its best, catchy pop doused in a helpin' of Austin sensibilities. But then there is "Our Life Is Not Like A Move Or Maybe" which, in just a little over a month, has established itself as one of the best singles of the decade and no hyperbole necessary. This is the most defined record of ethereal Rock n Roll that has been heard in some time, and live it gets the full blown industrial treatment - musical showmanship, emotional purity, and commanding stewardship by Mr. Sheff. After the performance of the song, it was necessary to take a step back, find a seat, and inhale in what was just witnessed. It was that good.

As best as it could be captured, here is that performance. The recording doesn't begin to do it justice:


Damien Jurango is a melancholy acoustic guitarist and solo performer who renders a complaint free performance, but when he takes a step up with a more pop-infused guitar hook, there is real songcraft afoot.
Okkervil River's keyboardist, Jonathan Meiburg, opened the night with a short set, also solo, with a banjo and then a little electric guitar. As melancholy as Mr. Jurango, Meiburg's banjo is the key melodymaker here and it serves its function well. A nice little trip to Texas and back.

Photos here.