While starting out as a solo artist, Adrianne Lenker rose to fame through her role as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the indie rock band, Big Thief. However, Lenker brought her stunning solo act to The Anthem on Friday night paired with friends, Sunzanne Vallie, Josefin Runsteen and Nick Hakim.
The Anthem was filled with a heavy anticipation as fans waited in long merch lines waiting for the lights to dim and for the evening’s events to begin. The night opened with Californian singer-songwriter Suzanne Vallies. Known for her laid-back improv performance, Vallies told the audience touching stories about her time growing up in the West in between her songs. With hints of Vashti Bunyan, Joni Mitchell, and Joan Baez, Vallies’ tracks reflected the work of someone close soul-ties to nature and her home. With beautiful ballads such as “Ocean Cliff Drive,” “Love Letter” and “Beauty from the Blue Country,” Vallies left the audience entranced with her folky, smooth, soulful tone.
Lenker, Runsteen and Hakim then took the stage in a trio that left the audience on the edge of their seats for their entire hour and thirty minute set. Lenker told stories of past lovers, grandparent visits, and growing up with her family in Minnesota while delivering an expansive set. Her selection ranged from tracks from her first solo album, a few Big Thief deep cuts, songs from her latest album, “Bright Future,” and a handful of tracks from her most popular album “songs”– released in 2020.
Near the end of the set, Lenker asked the fans to join her in her performance of “zombie girl”– resulting in a harmonious blend of loyal fans and Lenker’s honey-like voice. However, an arguably more touching moment was when the audience joined Lenker in her final song with Hakim and Rusteen, “anything.” A beautiful sense of community and support could be felt throughout the theater as the night came to a close.
Feature image by Ava DiGiacomo