On the night of August 23, fans gathered at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, expecting a stellar performance by Big Thief. Instead, they were treated to an unforgettable surprise: the band unveiled their new, unreleased triple album, Horsepower, in its entirety. This special event featured a lineup of guests who played pivotal roles in the album’s creation, including Americana and roots legends Iris DeMent, Gillian Welch, and Lucinda Williams.
As attendees arrived, they noticed hints that something extraordinary was afoot— no opening act, posters urging fans to refrain from phone use, and a stage set with ample seating for additional musicians. When the trio of Adrianne Lenker, Buck Meek, and James Krivchenia, accompanied by touring bassist Joshua Crumbly, took their places around a wooden table and remained seated for most of the evening, the audience sensed they were in for a unique experience.
Lenker, dressed casually in jeans and a patterned shirt, shared that Horsepower was recorded in Nashville last May. While she promised a full playthrough of the album, she also cautioned that the songs wouldn’t be presented in order. “If you had some hopes of hearing some of the songs you might know, those could be discarded,” Lenker explained, indicating that the set would be split into two parts with an intermission in between. She encouraged the audience to remain open-minded, hinting at the magic that lay ahead.
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Familiar Tunes: A Return to the Big Thief Universe
While the band didn’t provide an exhaustive list of the 29 songs featured on Horsepower, many have roots in Big Thief’s prior performances. Tracks such as “Happiness,” “Baby Honey Sweet Darlin’,” and “Muscle Memory” have been heard live before. “Sadness Is a Gift,” previously recorded on Lenker’s solo album, Bright Future, also made an appearance. Remarkably, almost two-thirds of the new album has graced their live shows in various forms, suggesting these songs have long been part of the Big Thief narrative.
Iconic Voices Elevate the Experience
The presence of DeMent, Welch, and Williams added layers to the unfolding musical tapestry. DeMent was the first to join the band on stage, setting the tone with her infectious spirit—she clapped and danced along, supporting Lenker, who admitted to feeling nervous. Welch and Williams followed, their harmonies blending seamlessly with Lenker’s, and creating a beautiful folk ambiance that resonated throughout the auditorium.
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Twang and Tradition: A Musical Exploration
The arrangements showcased during the concert were among the most twangy ever produced by Big Thief, thanks to both their core band members and the esteemed guest musicians. Instrumentalists like Greg Leisz and Russ Pahl enriched the sound on steel guitar, while a fiddle trio comprising Zosha Warpeha, Richard Bowden, and Hannah Read added further texture. The album’s sound, recorded in Nashville, featured a blend of influences reminiscent of artists like Gram Parsons, Joni Mitchell, and even echoes of Paul Simon and Radiohead. Rich narratives infused with road trip tales lent depth to the songs, bringing the struggles and beauty of life to the forefront.
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Exploring Happiness Amid Challenges
A recurring theme in the album is the quest for happiness in a troubled world. As Lenker poignantly asked in one of the songs, “This fucked up world, why must everything be conquered?” Yet, instead of drowning in despair, she and the band grapple with how to embrace joy. “6-7-8-9 She’s Fine” was dedicated to her girlfriend and reflected on small moments of silliness and delight. The closing track, “Gift Pleasure Joy,” written in the studio during the recording process, captured their experience beautifully, inviting the audience to reflect on their own paths to joy.
Behind the Scenes: A Film to Capture the Magic
The entire night was captured on camera for a forthcoming concert film, though details about its release are yet to be announced. The excitement wasn’t limited to one night, as Big Thief planned to perform the same set the next evening in Nashville, possibly featuring the same special guests. Fans eager for another taste of this unique experience have the opportunity to catch another show before it concludes.
