Concert Review By Stu Kelly / May 23, 2023 The Wood Brothers brought their signature blend of blues, folk, Americana, and roots music as they descended upon The Anthem last Saturday in Washington, D.C. Currently, the band is on the road supporting their eighth studio album Heart is the Hero. The trio consists of brothers Oliver and Chris Wood and multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix. Formed in 2004, the band has gained a reputation for its soulful harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and adept musicianship fusing a multitude of genres. The band has carefully developed a die-hard fanbase since its inception as they tour relentlessly. Boasting a unique sound that’s notorious for being organic and raw, Oliver Wood’s lyrics tell beautiful stories overflowing with heartfelt undertones such as love, loss, anguish, and despair. The darkness is often masked by Wood’s flawless vocal prowess and the band’s musical range to softly deliver the most pensive themes. Kicking off the evening with “Between The Beats,” The Wood Brothers immediately set the tone for the night, captivating the crowd with Oliver Wood’s mesmerizing vocals and intricate guitar work. The energy soared with “Line Those Pockets,” as Chris Wood’s masterful bass playing reverberated throughout the venue, intertwining effortlessly with Jano Rix’s percussive skills. The band opted to keep the new songs coming as they turned to “Pilgrim” completing a three-song puch of new tunes off their most recent album. The fan-favorite “Postcards From Hell” ignited the first sing-a-long of the evening. The emotional depth of Oliver Wood’s lyrics always seems to strike a chord with the audience, evoking a sense of reflection and empathy. The crowd fully basked in this moment as the band guided the fans to one of those special, indescribable, places that keep us coming back time and time again. The band showcased their versatility throughout the set, seamlessly transitioning from introspective ballads like “Worst Pain Of All” to foot-stomping, energetic numbers such as “I Got Loaded.” The infectious rhythms and Jano Rix’s multi-instrumental prowess created an irresistible urge to dance and celebrate the beautiful moments of the evening. One of the highlights of the night was the stripped-down performance of “Luckiest Man,” which featured the raw talent and tight-knit chemistry between the band members. The audience took the lead vocal responsibilities as Oliver Wood shifted from band leader to conductor, urging the crowd to belt out the lyrics. The Wood Brothers returned to the stage for their encore and opted for “The Muse,” captivating the crowd with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics as they huddled around one solo microphone at the skirt of the stage. They kept the momentum going with a surprise rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival‘s “Down On The Corner,” infusing their unique sound into the classic tune with help from folk-duo, and opening band, Shovels & Rope. “Down On The Corner” was dedicated to Shawn “Gus” Vitale, a longtime 9:30 Club sound engineer for over 30 years who tragically died of cancer on May 11, 2023, at age 61. As the night drew to a close with the infectious groove of “One More Day,” the crowd couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experience they had just witnessed. The Wood Brothers had created an intimate connection with their audience, transcending the boundaries between performers and fans. Ultimately, this show was a testament to their musical prowess and ability to create a familiar atmosphere of warmth and unity. Their soulful harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and exceptional musicianship left a lasting impression on everyone present, reminding us of the power of music to touch our souls and bring people together. Setlist: Between The Beats Line Those Pockets Pilgrim Postcards From Hell Worst Pain Of All Without Desire Sing About It Far From Alone Little Blue Loaded I Got Loaded Heart Is The Hero Little Bit Broken One Drop Of Truth Satisfied Little Bit Sweet Snake Eyes Luckiest Man Happiness Jones Encore: The Muse Down On The Corner (Creedence Clearwater Revival) One More Day Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Related
