On October 22, 2026, Big Thief brought their intimately expansive sound to Philadelphia’s Met Opera House on the ‘Somersault Slide 360’ tour. The opening act, Lomelda, a Texas-based music project led by Hannah Read, was an acoustic experience with an expansive, atmospheric sound. Their set was not worth missing. With a full band accompanying Read, the band’s short 35-minute set was enough to show the raw talent of Read as well as her touring band members (Andrew Hulett on guitar, Zach Daniel on drums and percussion, Tommy Read on backing vocals and multi-instrument contribution).
Big Thief’s intimate indie-folk sound was pushed to the limit with their newfound moments of pure rock and experimentation with ambient noise. With inspiration rooted in legendary folk artists such as Leonard Cohen and Neil Young, Big Thief’s newer sound is becoming more expansive and experimental.
A band from Brooklyn, N.Y. that’s made up of lead vocals of Adrienne Lenker, back-up vocals and guitar from Buck Meek, Joshua Crumbly on bass, and James Krivchenia on drums and percussion. Lenker’s fragile but emotional voice blends their traditional folk-rock sound. In their earlier albums, such as Masterpiece (2016) and Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You (2022), Big Thief has a folk-rock sound, featuring calmer, softer songs that showcase their folk roots. However, their new album Double Infinity (2025) demonstrates a newer sound of upbeat indie rock. Songs from Double Infinity (2025), such as ‘Los Angeles’ and ‘Incomprehensible’, are promising sounds that move into guitar-heavy, harsher-sounding vocals and upbeat percussion.
Though Big Thief’s studio albums are intimate and emotional, the band did not fear experimenting with new sounds on stage. Lenker’s ability to shred the electric guitar was mesmerizing, continuously shocking the audience with her talent. As she shredded the electric guitar, other members joined the jam seamlessly. Meek, also on electric guitar, added an element that made the jam sound effortless. The band’s chemistry was undeniable; every member seemed to be on the same wavelength. Krivchenia, on percussion, kept the jam on track with the build-up of sound and by using different instruments, such as chimes and cowbell, to keep the band moving along with the epic sound they created.
It is important to note that Big Thief has never played the same setlist twice. Pulling from their entire discography and Lenker’s solo work (songs 2020, Bright Future 2024, Live at Revolution Hall 2025), the setlist is randomized for every show. Their more popular songs, such as ‘Simulation Swarm’, ‘Vampire Empire’, and ‘Los Angeles’, were played to please the crowd. However, most of the songs in Philadelphia were from their new album, Double Infinity and Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You. With three new songs played, the band is moving towards a more indie-rock sound rather than their original folk roots.
While the Philadelphia audience was clearly fully engaged, a handful of technical hiccups led some audience members to leave early or to an uncomfortable silence throughout the venue. Lenker had repetitive issues with her guitar and pedals throughout the set. The songs were abruptly stopped during ‘Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You’ and ‘Little Things’. With a rather timid and meek disposition, Lenker didn’t mention anything about it to the audience. She continued to the next song as if nothing had happened. Fans seemed confused by the abrupt stops and did not quite know what to expect for the rest of the set.
The band rarely interacted with the crowd in Philadelphia. Lenker expressed her gratitude in quiet ‘thank you’s and smiles, but the lead woman had little to say. Big Thief let the music do the talking, which the audience seemed to be ok with. After a two-and-a-half-hour set, Big Thief’s three-song encore wrapped up the show. They started with the title track of their most recent album, ‘Double Infinity,’ and then moved on to another new song, ‘Beautiful World. Lastly, they ended with ‘Spud Infinity,’ a song they rarely play live.
Big Thief’s performance in Philadelphia culminated in a blend of their traditional, intimate indie-folk roots and elements of rock and spatial noise.
One Response
Hi, a few items to note – the drummer’s name is James, not “Daniel.” Adrianne Lenker did explain that she wasn’t feeling “Little Things” and that’s why it was abandoned. “Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You” wasn’t stopped, there was a jam towards the end and I don’t think you realized jt was all the same song. Also, they play “Spud Infinity” all the time, so I’m really not sure where you got that information. A simple check on Setlist.FM would confirm that. Finally, how was the silence uncomfortable?