By matt dulaney | november 13, 2024
Walking into the historic Warfield, electricity was in the air as groups of all ages poured in, ready to witness two incredible bands as they celebrated the anniversary of two formative albums. In recent years we’ve seen a wave of bands returning to life on the road to relive the albums of my youth, but rarely have we seen two prominent bands sharing the stage for what was sure to be an unforgettable evening.
The night opened with Lunar Vacation, a young up-and-coming band out of Decatur, Georgia who brought a dreamy, bedroom indie vibe reminiscent of the female-driven alt scene of the 90’s. The five-piece band shares the stage and their home where they practice and write, drawing influence from notable bands such as Yo La Tengo and Bjork.
With uproarious cheers from the crowd, Thrice was the next to take the stage. Often known for their hard and heavy post-hardcore work early in their career, this show was a departure as they celebrated the 15th anniversary of their transitional album “Beggars.” Released in 2009, “Beggars” marked a shift from the aggressive and explosive sound that put Thrice on the scene at the height of the screamo days of the mid-aughts to a more introspective and thoughtful path that would continue as the band grew and developed.
Once they started playing, it became clear how they had continued to polish and refine themselves over the years. From the moment Thrice began, everyone in the room sang and screamed the lyrics to every song showing exactly how important both the band and the album have been to so many, as well as the staying power they have had as they have continued to grow and evolve their sound. Despite having attended my last live show of theirs 17 years ago, I felt immensely privileged to witness this celebratory performance and I can confidently say that they have not lost a step.
With a packed balcony and the floor full to burst, the dedication of the crowd continued to show ever-present as Manchester Orchestra took to the stage to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their heavy-hitting album “Cope.” Typically known for their more ambient indie and folk sounds, “Cope” is Manchester Orchestra’s most intense album. Upon its release, this album revealed a more direct and brash side to singer Andy Hull’s typically poetic lyrics, as well as a more sonically charged and raw sound full of a complex mix of anger, and loss, but also of vulnerability and resilience.
Throughout their captivating set, the profound connection between the band and their fans was undeniable. During an acoustic performance of “All That I Really Wanted,” a silent reverence fell over the crowd as Andy took center stage – the raw emotion in his voice and the stripped-down arrangement created a moment of pure magic even prompting him to compliment the crowd and express his gratitude. Song after song, the energy continued to swell culminating in their performance of the album’s title track when the auditorium erupted, matching the force of the heavily distorted guitars.
What I witnessed this evening marked a beautiful moment in the history of so many’s lives. For the long-devoted fans, this was an opportunity to relive two very iconic albums that left a lasting impression. For others, it was a chance to witness Thrice and Manchester Orchestra in a creative transition that has defined their sound still to this day. Either way, this tour is a must and I am very lucky to have experienced it.
Matt Dulaney is a freelance photojournalist for Majestic Music Magazine. See more of his work here
