The Mountain Goats Play Tonight at Emo’s
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The Mountain Goats have been recording and playing together since 1991, and thanks to their prolific frontman John Darnielle, they have an impressive fourteen albums to their credit. And throughout this time, fans have come to expect a darker point of view in Darnielle’s songwriting, a certain level of cynicism or rage. He develops characters and, in turn, rather evocative images of each individual struggle with incredible insight – and empathy. Basically, he’s a damn good songwriter.
The band’s latest album, Transcendental Youth, may lean more toward that brooding side we’re familiar with, perhaps even with parts that are bittersweet. However, this time around, Darnielle seems to be grinning defiantly in the midst of the darkness. Optimism wins the day – of course, only the way Darnielle can deliver it, a bit moody and bleak but strangely life-affirming.
This is a show to see. Do not miss The Mountain Goats tonight at Emo’s, 2015 E. Riverside Dr. Richmond, VA-based songwriter Matthew E. White will be the perfect start to the evening. Doors open at 9 p.m. Recommended.
Podcast: Download (2.2MB)
