The day closed and concert goers ranging from 18 to 60 made their way to The Lincoln Theatre. None of them could have anticipated what they had in store for them. Everyone made their way to their seats and you could feel the anticipation within the room. We were first met with Vagabon. What a performance! She started off her set quiet and reserved and then let it all loose. Her voice and her songs are the perfect accompaniment to Angel Olsen. Before you knew it she was saying her goodbyes which was met with a standing ovation.
The lights dim as Angel hits the stage with her band. The butterflies in your stomach (or at least mine) of when the lights dim was so heightened throughout the room it was palpable. I’m convinced now after seeing this show that watching Angel live is a life affirming experience everyone needs to partake in. Angel, after 2 songs, is met with unrelentless applause. She has a brilliant way of turning that awkward silence in between songs into a short comedy set of sorts.
Olsen was accompanied by a full band including a cello and a violin, and she performed several songs from her new record, All Mirrors. She displayed a stunning showcase of her beautiful melodies in typical Olsen fashion. Her vocals bring a sense of urgency which leaves you on the edge of your seat. It seems as if she’s on the brink of collapse at any given second. The way she controls her crescendos and decrescendos and her vocals overall is just incredible in every sense of the word.
Although the set consisted of songs mostly from her new album, she included a few old gems in there as well which had the crowd in awe. This was the third or fourth show she’s done for this tour so far. She and her band sounded so tight and that they’ve had their set down for years and years.
I left the theater absolutely speechless. I couldn’t even make out a “Goodbye, have a nice night” to the security guard on the way out. When I got into my car, I listened to her whole album just to hear the comparisons of what she did live and in the studio. I cannot recommend seeing her live enough.
Enjoy photos of Angel Olsen and Vagabon performing at Lincoln Theatre on Friday, November 1st. All photos copyright and courtesy of Alex Koch.
