In a move that perfectly captures the spirit of artistic authenticity, Adrianne Lenker has unveiled plans for an ambitious live album that might just redefine what we expect from concert recordings. The Big Thief frontwoman’s Live at Revolution Hall, dropping this spring through 4AD and Remote Control, bottles lightning from three remarkable nights of her 2024 solo tour.
Here’s the kicker — this isn’t your typical live album. Spanning an impressive 43 tracks, it’s practically a musical autobiography. The collection weaves together crowd favorites and hidden treasures, plus — and this is where things get really interesting — five brand-new songs that haven’t seen the light of day until now. Among these fresh offerings, “happiness” stands out as a particularly poignant piece, showcasing Lenker’s knack for turning raw emotion into something approaching poetry.
The whole thing came together at Portland’s Revolution Hall, where Lenker found herself in exceptional company. Nick Hakim’s piano work and Josefin Runsteen’s violin add rich layers to the performances, while longtime collaborator Andrew Sarlo worked his magic behind the boards. Sarlo’s been there since the early days, shaping both Lenker’s solo sound and Big Thief’s signature style.
“This live album is another generous offering from Adrianne,” Sarlo notes, hinting at the project’s intimate nature. The recording approach feels decidedly old-school — all reel-to-reel and cassette tape, clocking in at about two hours. It’s almost like they’re challenging our modern expectations of what live albums can be.
The timing couldn’t be better. Lenker’s been riding high lately — her latest solo effort, Bright Future, not only cracked the top 5 on the Heatseekers Albums chart but earned her first Grammy nod in the folk album category. Not too shabby for someone who’s always seemed more interested in artistic truth than industry accolades.
Speaking of Big Thief — the band’s been weathering some changes. Last summer saw bassist Max Oleartchik step away for what they’re calling “interpersonal reasons.” But they haven’t missed a beat, recently dropping the Passional Relations EP to help with L.A. wildfire relief efforts.
Sarlo’s got some advice for listeners that feels spot-on: “Consider closing your eyes, getting cozy, and listening as if you are watching a film!” It’s less about capturing perfect performances and more about creating something that feels real — like you’re right there in the room.
With Big Thief gearing up to hit the road again this fall, Live at Revolution Hall arrives at just the right moment. It’s a bridge between Lenker’s solo wanderings and her band work, reminding us that sometimes the most magical musical moments happen when the tape’s rolling and the walls between artist and audience come tumbling down.
Leave a Reply