May 2

May 2 Review: Wilco at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Edwin Arnaudin: Just shy of six years have passed since my initial Wilco concert — too recent to say I wish I could see them again for the first time, but I am super curious about your experience as a Wilco Live novice.

First off, how did you become a Wilco fan and what were your expectations going in to Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on April 28?

Violet Dwoinen: Wilco has been one of my dad’s favorite bands for as far back as I can remember — it was the music I was raised on. There’s a sort of Jeff Tweedy worship in my house, so I had high hopes for the concert, and I was not disappointed.

Edwin: That's a proper house! And yes, it's tough not to have great expectations with a band whose catalog is this deep.

The past two local Wilco shows (2017 at TWA and 2021 at Salvage Station outdoors) and Jeff Tweedy solo (2019 at The Orange Peel) were pretty much Greatest Hits showcases, and I figured this one would be no different, especially when they opened with one of their catchier jams, "Handshake Drugs." But I was pleasantly surprised that they mixed in a good number of songs from their 2022 album, Cruel Country, and some underplayed works from Summerteeth. Much as I love hearing "Heavy Metal Drummer," there's something encouraging about a group feeling inspired by their latest tunes nearly 30 years into their run.

What stood out to you from the setlist? And were there some hits you wished they would have played?

Violet: I really enjoyed hearing “One Wing” between all the Cruel Country songs. I had completely forgotten about that song, but hearing it again has sent me down a totally engulfing Wilco (The Album) wormhole. They really dug through their whole discography pretty thoroughly, but balanced it super well with their hits to keep the casual listening side of the audience engaged, which I really appreciated. I was bummed to not hear any songs off The Whole Love, but with a catalog as big as Wilco’s, it wasn’t unexpected.

Edwin: The Whole Love is the album that turned me into a Wilco superfan, so I'm with you on that omission feeling like a missed opportunity. A mere two songs from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is also...a choice, but I had to remind myself that they're not far removed from the series of 20th anniversary shows for that album, so pushing "Jesus, Etc." to the side for a bit longer is understandable.

But this is rock 'n roll at its finest and I think only the second time I've seen a line of four guitars at the front of the stage, the other being Spoon last summer at Rabbit Rabbit. In an era where we seem to be getting farther away from that core amplified sound, witnessing it feels almost revolutionary.

What were some of your favorite moments from a performance and stage presence side?

Violet: The layering, the fluidity between the band — just everything was done so well and so precisely. The whole band’s stage presence stood out to me despite the lack of gimmicks. Nels Cline’s solo during “Impossible Germany” had to be one of my favorite points in the show, though. The sheer talent that was wafting off of him literally took my breath away.

Also, the band as a whole during “Black Bull Nova” and “Via Chicago” was so cool to see. I felt like you could sense how close they all were as friends through the synchronies of the distortions, and I think the crowd picked up on that, too.

Edwin: It's a special camaraderie that's kept the lineup consistent for a nice long time, yet also keeps their live shows fresh. With the "lack" of big hits in the main set, it was fun to guess what would show up in the encore, and the thunderstorm effects as Glenn Kotche ripped loose wild drum solos on “Via Chicago” as the light show raged behind him was a nice surprise.

However, one tradition Wilco didn't continue was to bring back the opening act for "California Stars," which was sadly absent. In turn, we missed out on The A's — featuring Sylvan Esso's Amelia Neath and Daughter of Swords' Alexandra Sauser-Monnig — bringing their lovely harmonies and quirky folk duo antics to the Woody Guthrie ballad. What did you think of The A's?

Violet: I thought The A’s were super charming. I only caught the end of their set, but the simplicity of their sound was very sweet, and I can appreciate some good yodeling. They are a duo I definitely would like to see again, but I think a more intimate venue would be more suitable for their lullaby style songs.

Edwin: Agreed. it’s a novelty act, but both women are so committed to the performance that it didn’t seem too too out of place at good ol’ Thomas Wolfe. I could see them headlining The Grey Eagle before long — or maybe they’ll sneak in a performance somewhere local while Sylvan Esso is in town this June.

Any final thoughts on your first Wilco concert? And/or things that have stuck with you most vividly since Saturday night?

Violet: It was just overall so amazing. I feel like as some bands from their era have fizzled out, Wilco has continued to get stronger and stronger. Nearly 30 years into their run, they’re still releasing consistently incredible music, and cultivating this group of fans that spans generations.

They know how to put on a show as well. I’m still buzzing with the post-concert warm fuzzies even a few days later, and I will be sure to catch them next time their in town.

(Photos by Jonny Leather)