On Sunday, November 16th, Roseland Theater  was graced for the second time (that weekend) by Portland legend Neko Case. A folk singer-songwriter artist who is known for whimsical lyricism and a voice that is unmatched by many mainstream artists. Neko Case is touring North America in support of her latest LP ‘Neon Grey Midnight Green’, going until late January. 

I had barely gotten into Neko Case. The one thing that sticks out to me most is her voice that leaves you feeling comforted and in awe. I’ve never been that into singer-songwriter music (beyond George Harrison of course) making this my first time attending a much slower and relaxed show. Though I did not attend alone, I had company who is much more experienced in the genre; you could say I had a swiss army knife– a musician and a consumer. 

For the sake of individuals reading this, the only thing I have to say about the opening artist, John Grant, is that I could’ve gone without. In short, it was an upset middle-age man at a piano who seems to have a secret love for Daft Punk? I will say this, I don’t see enough artists who are able to play songs that are solely piano while passionately singing, though the lyrics were shallow and ended up contradicting themselves.  

After a lackluster opener the room was awoken by a short announcement by an AI voice asking audience members to put away devices as the artists wanted individuals to be present. The crowd roared when Neko Case, joined by her large band, entered the orange lit stage. The light making her long hair glow as though a halo shaped her head adding to the whimsy spirit of her songmaking. After some short hellos and sweet memories of Portland shared, the show began. 

First impressions as the band began playing was how talented each individual member was. Each had their own role in the performance making it exciting at the prospect that the band will jam in between songs. I regret to inform, there was no jam. Every song melted into each other, making it all sound the same. Same chords and organization, the feeling is similar to watching a movie that just keeps going on and on. There’s no climax, even with short bursts of build up they dissipated as quickly as they began. 

All in all, it felt like the musicians didn’t want to be there. It was their second night in Portland, so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt, maybe night one was their best and their second night was a hungover ridden event. The crowd didn’t help much. It was filled with boozed up beanie wearing Xilennials who may have forgotten to complete their patagonia fueled outfit with deodorant. Folks, nice as always, but when you are standing for three hours straight listening to mediocre performances, it all adds up. 

Prior to the event, I did my homework. I listened to best hits and the recent release, not only because of my new found love but because I wanted to be prepared for a genre I’d never seen live before. During the performance I had an internal battle– was I the problem for not liking the music or was it truly just a lacking live performance? After a long car ride where both parties are too scared to say our true thoughts of the experience only ended in laughs about how underwhelming it all was. 

Some concluding thoughts: Neko Case and her band are very talented individuals, there’s no way any sane person can deny that, it just wasn’t their night. John Grant please seek some therapy to process your skewed view of your reality. Lastly, if you’re going to a place where you’ll be packed like sardines, wear some deodorant or leave some layers at home and maybe skip the beer and cheese combo.