AVETT BROTHERS: Back to Back Nights in Orlando

I'd been waiting a long time to see the Avett Brothers. I got a taste of them at Lolla last summer, but I was waiting for a tour where I'd be able to see a full set. That wish was finally answered when the Avetts announced they'd be playing back to back nights at HOB Orlando in April.

I quickly purchased tickets for both nights, as the shows almost instantly sold out. The capacity of House of Blues is much smaller than the UCF Venue they played on their last Orlando gig. The place was packed on Saturday night as the group came on stage one after they next, ending with brothers Scott and Seth.

NIGHT 1:

The Avetts have so much material in their discography now, that it's impossible to predict their setlist. The breakdown throughout the night featured at least three songs each from six different albums.

Now the Avett Brothers have grown into a large band over the years, especially with an increased touring production. When they originally started, it was just Scott, Seth and bassist Bob Crawford. It was nice to see the three of them take the stage solo for a few tunes in the middle of the set. Crawford even left the stage at one point and let the brothers perform an acoustic duet.

Set highlights were 'Head a Full of Doubt, Road Full of Promise,' 'Kick a Drum Heart,' and 'Distraction #74.' Overall, I liked the passion put in by the band, but I was a bit disappointed with the crowd. It wasn't as much of a friendly sing a long crowd as I expected. Unfortunately, things like that sometimes play into the review. But still a good performance on night 1.

Night 1 Concert Rating: 3 Stars




ROUND 2:

While the friendly crowd may have been lacking on night 1, the Sunday crowd was much more laid back but ready for night 2. Rather than the buildup opening we received with 'Satan Pulls the Strings' on night 1, the Avett's jumped right into it on night 2 with 'Paranoia in Bb Major' to open. This was just the start of a ferocious opening that included 'I Killed Sally's Lover,' 'Open Ended Life,' and 'Die Die Die.'

It didn't seem like it was until the 6th or 7th song when you had a moment to almost look around and catch your breath. The beginning of the show was captivating, and any dull moment in the middle of the set was short lived. The Avetts pulled out fan favorites 'Shame,' and 'Head Full of Doubt' in the middle of the set to keep the sing a long momentum going.

This was the type of performance I was hoping for an excepting from these guys. They fueled off the volume of the crowd and crammed a total of 20 songs into the evening. Seeing them perform at HOB Orlando for such a small crowd was definitely an early highlight of 2015. Even though I was practically in the last row, by the back bar, I still felt close and connected to the band.

Night 2 wins the weekend for the Avetts. I must also mention these shows are somewhat of a tuneup for their headlining spot at Shaky Knees Fest. They set the bar high and should be a worthy Saturday night closer.

Night 2 Concert Rating: 4 Stars



Night 2 Setlist:

1. Paranoia in Bb Major 
2. Laundry Room 
3. I Killed Sally's Lover 
4. Open-Ended Life 
5. Rejects in the Attic 
6. Die Die Die 
7. Shame 
8. Thank God I'm a Country Boy 
   (John Denver cover)
9. Love Like the Movies 
10. Down with the Shine 
11. Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise 
12. The Lowering 
13. Murder in the City 
14. The Race Is On 
    (George Jones cover)
15. The Once and Future Carpenter 
16. Another Is Waiting 
17. At the Beach 
18. Country Blues 
    (Doc Watson cover)
19. The Perfect Space 
20. Encore:
20. Slight Figure of Speech