Live Preview: Punch Brothers and Anais Mitchell at Variety Playhouse this Thursday, 1/31
The New York string quintet, sometimes labeled as progressive bluegrass, newgrass or the “Bluegrass Radiohead,” is bringing their unique sound back to Atlanta on Thursday. Chris Thile and crew, who are still riding the successful wave of last year’s excellent Who’s Feeling Young Now? (Nonesuch Records), have been catapulted full-on into indie-rock stardom. From the recording sessions of that album came the Ahoy! EP released this past October. It’s simply a continuation of that fantastic sound and more evidence that Punch Brothers are here to stay.
With a near cult following, Punch Brothers are also known for terrific covers, including Radiohead’s “Kid A” (featured on Who’s Feeling). They have covered other Radiohead songs live as well as selections from The Cars, Wilco, The White Stripes and Josh Ritter. But there is no denying the fact that Punch Brothers have created a niche for themselves that lies somewhere between bluegrass/folk and rock. These guys are rock stars as much as Bono and Mick Jagger are rock stars.
Opening the show is Vermont singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell. Touring in support of her latest release, the critically acclaimed Young Man in America (Wilderland Records), Mitchell is a critical darling who will complement this show.
This show is sold out, but if you can find a way to get in, you will not regret it.
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