Okkervil River at Lincoln Center on Feb 3, 2016 as part of the 'American Songbook' Series.
Photo by Sachyn Mital
Okkervil River at Lincoln Center on Feb 3, 2016 as part of the 'American Songbook' Series.
Photo by Sachyn Mital
Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series kicked off this past Wednesday (2/1) and continued on Friday (2/3) with a performance from indie rock group Okkervil River. The act, led by current Brooklynite Will Sheff, performed a strong set that dabbled in music from their entire history including the most recent album Away.
Throughout a relatively low key set, Sheff interspersed a number of more uptempo rock songs that had the audience clapping along. In the latter grouping, “Plus Ones” was an early highlight but the rock edge of “Down Down the Deep River” off of The Silver Gymnasium, paired with the reflective “Okkervil River R.I.P.” (from Away) near the middle of the performance was a particular highlight.
In a recent interview with amNY, Sheff spoke about Away and shared his feelings on being part of the Songbook series. He said, “Songwriting is a kind of magic. I’m honored I ever got to put out a record and I’m excited to be performing in a forum that’s so centered around the song form.”
Setlist:
Call Yourself Renee
Plus Ones
Red
The Industry
Comes Indiana through the Smoke
A Stone
Our Life is not a Movie or Maybe
Down Down the Deep River
Okkervil River R.I.P.
Unless It’s Kicks
So Come Back, I am Waiting
Maine Island Lovers
For Real