Jingle bells, herald angels singing and all the traditional sounds of the season were pushed aside by fuzzy guitars and classic rock jams as Kurt Vile and the Violators took over Chicago’s Riviera Theatre with understated holiday cheer on Dec. 22.
“Tell me some stories. Tell me the miracle of Christmas,” Vile said before leading his band – comprised of multi-instrumentalists Jesse Trbovich and Rob Laakso and drummer Kyle Spence – into a slow-building rendition of “Check Baby” early in the set. The unconventionally playful opening riff hinted at the many ways Vile and company would soon explore the outer reaches of the song’s promise with a series of evolving improvisations.
From the set-opener “Loading Zones” to “Bassackwards” – Vile’s low-key wordplay weaving in and out of his delicate finger-picked phrases – to “Mutinies,” every track from Bottle It In, Vile’s seventh solo album which was released earlier this year, came to life in new and unexpected ways during the performance. Elsewhere, the group used “Cold Was the Wind” to take fans on a “Polynesian vacation” while singing about “Christmas in Siberia” and Arctic breezes.
Melancholy took the spotlight as Vile stood center-stage for a solo performance of “Runner Ups” from his 2011 masterpiece Smoke Ring for My Halo. Fans alternated between silent appreciation – transfixed by the poignant lyrics – and raucous cheers following each impossibly intricate instrumental passage, all the while a sweet sadness whirred across the venue.
With his acoustic guitar in hand, Vile defied all expectations of the instrument with a series of full-blown, face-melting rock and roll solos during “Wakin on a Pretty Daze.” The surprising sounds generated awe in the musician’s ability to flawlessly combine imagination and technical mastery provoking a standing ovation from many fans in the upper balconies.
“Jesus Fever,” “Girl Called Alex” and “I’m an Outlaw,” the latter of which featuring Vile on banjo, were further highlights of the Saturday evening concert.
No stranger to the Riv, Vile gave a shout-out to the last time he played the Uptown club saying, “We love you so much. We played here a long time ago, New Year’s Eve 2010 [12/31/2009], opening for the Black Keys.”
“This time they asked to open for us. We said, ‘no,’” he joked, adding. “Just kidding.”
Concert-goers looking for perfectly plaintive lyrics, dry humor and unmatched musicianship got an early Christmas gift from Kurt Vile and the Violators in the form of one of the best shows of the year. Check out photos from the performance – including the evening’s opener Jessica Pratt – and head over to Kurtvile.com for more information on upcoming tour dates.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)