Being There :: Kurt Vile @ Black Cat :: DC

Being There :: Kurt Vile @ Black Cat :: DC - bryanb

Posted by bryanb

We will most assuredly be singing the praises of Kurt Vile’s latest album Childish Prodigy come list-making time before year’s end, and his final performance of his tour this week at the Black Cat did nothing to dissuade such accolades. Shrouded in a curtain of hair, Kurt Vile’s sound and approach to songs could best be described to the unfamiliar as meandering and gauzy. His latest set comes across as old vintage demos of classic Americana and rockabilly, but upon further listening these seemingly careless tunes have traditional structures and memorable melodies. Backed by his supporting band, The Violators, (some of which are original members of his other band, The War on Drugs) Kurt conjured and sussed fully formed songs from a palette of guitar feedback, saxophone noodling and occasional percussion loops.

Rollicking songs such as Hunchback and Freak Train even drew comparisons to that other grungy Kurt, as Mr. Vile’s vocals strained and emoted over echoing and often intricate guitar work. Bookending his set with The Violators, Kurt stood solo and performed delicate acoustic numbers, including personal favorites like Heart Attack and Blackberry Song to a considerably appreciative crowd, bringing his tour to an artful and intimate close.

I strongly urge you to check out Kurt Vile’s discography, including his newest Childish Prodigy, out now on Matador Records.

Kurt Vile – Hunchback (261 kbps)

Kurt Vile – Heart Attack (305 kbps)