Mountain Goats at Whelans on May 22nd
Review by Tadgh O’Connor
Photos: Yan Bourke
The Mountain Goats extend from flux and disarray. Guided under the wordsmith-ship of John Darnielle, the trio turn their collective hand to their own ilk of folk-punk. From their humble lo-fi beginnings, in their 20 year tenure, they have amassed an diverse list of collaborators, and a impressive back-catalog. Despite all this experience they’re true to their roots, cheap guitars and a stripped back set up.
The set begins with Darnielle singing “Jeff Davis County Blues”, singing of home about lacking a home. His strained vocals resonating with fret buzz, and despite the Irish tendency to chatter during gigs, there’s a hush over the crowd. Every fell in awe of each line. Letting it carry them where ever.
They’re by no means “tight” live, John stumbling over forgotten chords. But they don’t pretend to be this well oiled, articulate machine. Not everything is perfect, and they play too this. Not letting every mistake phase them. Instead embracing them, and making them part of the music. Darnielle refrains from falling into the stereotype of the sad folk singer, his performance is electric. Dancing about the stage non stop.
John does not lack in charisma. Setting each tune with a tale of the feelings it’s to convey, or the origins behind it. Joking with the crowd. He makes an intimate venue like Whelan’s, that extra bit more intimate.
Before their finale, the guys go way back and play their magnum opus “No Children”. Playing off the crowd they power through, everyone as one entity, as if there is nothing else in the world bar this song. They finish up their career spanning set with “This Year”. Never before have I heard a band play with this apathetic aggression. Each venomous word spitting forth with every ounce of it’s intent.
It’s not long after leaving the stage that they’re demanded back by the crowd. “Palmcoder Yajna” commences the encore. The band are quite obviously not afraid to shy away from fan service. Putting what the audience wants first. A cover of Nothing Painted Blue’s “Houseguest” the band intends to be their final song. But the audience isn’t ready to call it a night just yet. Continuing the trend of covers, Darnielle and crew play “The Boys are back in Town” (if I need to elaborate as to who it’s by, music doesn’t seem to be your thing).
Despite there absence, they don’t let down. Playing a lengthy set. Chatting to fans afterwards. There are few bands as humble as The Mountain Goats with even a fraction of the talent.