The Decemberists at the Greek Theatre shot by Danielle Gornbein
It was a beyond lovely Tuesday evening over at the Greek Theatre. Portland’s own Decemberists made an expected stop along their current world tour in Los Angeles. The wildly talented indie rockers are making the rounds in support of their latest record I’ll Be Your Girl, which released just this past March via Capitol Records. Supporting The Decemberists on some special dates, including this Tuesday’s were the ever-pleasant guys of Whitney. Fronted by Julien Ehrlich on vocals and drums, this six-piece has had us swooning with their glossy tunes since their first record release in 2016, Light Upon The Lake. There’s an indescribable freeness in Whitney’s music that I believe could easily be picked up by anyone as well as enjoyed. They treated us to goodies like “Golden Days” and “Polly” while also covering Neil Young’s “On the Way Home” and 60’s rock band, NRBQ’s “Magnet”. We were definitely lucky enough to catch them as support and look forward to the new music in store. Ehrlich did bid the crowd farewell and said they’ll see us again and with the new record.
Whitney at the Greek Theatre shot by Danielle Gornbein
Following a rather intense yet purposely choppy version of the Star Wars theme song, The Decemberists graced the Greek stage to laughter and a roaring applause. Colin Meloy took center stage with his acoustic guitar and thus began the night’s gorgeous show. Opening with the new record’s self-titled track, “I’ll Be Your Girl,’ Meloy and his talented bandmates dazzled. Their set featured many more of the new songs such as the oh-so uplifting “Everything Is Awful” and my personal favorite, “Severed”. These musicians make beautiful music, point blank. Performing the older favorites from practically each of their other seven records made us love this band that much more. The overall show was just so killer. They ended the set with an encore of “Mariner’s Revenge Song” off their 2005 record, Picaresque. With a giant blow up whale surfing through the crowd, I’d say the participation and excitement was high! The only question I have is where can we get the “Trump Monster” patch that covered the back of Colin Meloy’s jean jacket?
Words & Photos: Danielle Gornbein
The Decemberists at the Greek Theatre shot by Danielle Gornbein
The Decemberists at the Greek Theatre shot by Danielle Gornbein
Whitney at the Greek Theatre shot by Danielle Gornbein
