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Father John Misty is the creation of former Fleet Foxes drummer Josh Tillman who reinvented his muse shortly after leaving the Seattle four piece in late 2011.
For years Tillman enjoyed success behind the shade of his drum kit and has come full circle to preach his brooding yet eloquent gospel to the masses of musical sinners. His charismatic and unflinching dedication to his craft is what elevates him from the drudge of mechanical-like performers who dominate the stage today.
People lined the walls and dangled their legs upon the rafters while waiting for his sermon. The hustling and bustling chatter pervaded the ears. Twenty-eight year old Kieran Leonard who was handpicked by Tillman to open. He brought the crowd to a silence and an asked ‘How you doing Manchester? Above Average?’ which captured the relaxed and susceptible attitude of the night.
The crowd seemed in good spirits as Leonard rattled through his quirky, fast and dylanesque catalogue. He even referenced the big man himself by claiming he “was positively Fourth Street”.
The glittering reflections of the disco ball etched his aura as he jokes “That’s normally when the mosh pit starts.” Leonard shows a sense of maturity in his approach to folk and he confidently romances you with nostalgia. His approach, much like his predecessors is simple. It was just him and his guitar. There was certainly bravery in his performance.
The bread has been broken and the wine was surely finished. Father John Misty, the enigma, had taken the stage and was ready to preach his brooding yet eloquent gospel to us sinners.
He opened with the title track from his recently released album I Love You Honeybear. His hands motioned towards the skies .
With enough charisma to outshine James Bond, Tillman looked over to his acoustic guitar. “This place is gonna blow any minute” he chuckled. We wouldn’t have been surprised. The crowd leaned back as the band synchronized effortlessly into the next song ‘Sally Hatchet’ off of the Fathers first LP.
While the tempo of the music changed, the crowd remained in high energy. Even when the lights dimmed for the performance of ‘Son of a Ladies Man’, the crowd swayed with irresistible pride while sloshes of cider fell to our shoes. He sang with sublime aggression and made Dylan’s born again Christian movement seem inadequate. This was satirical, evocative and something beyond short explanation. He even signalled innuendos as he shouted “why the long face jerk off? Your chance has been taken” from the unapologetic number ‘Nothing Good Ever Happens at the Goddamn Thirsty Crow’.
He looked envious as he scanned across the crowd as if he wanted to witness his own creation. Yet, it was respectable.
The electrical tools came out and the captivating riff of ‘Hollywood Cemetery Forever’ engulfed the venue. ‘Jesus Christ Girl!’ moaned Misty as the lights blistered the stage in a shimmer of ruby-gold.
There was never a dull moment and even though it was a Tuesday and tomorrows eight o’clock shift was approaching, the crowd were in positive spirits. Tillman even responded to the hecklers with cool retorts.
As he approached the next title on the set list a fan shouted “Holy Shit” and The Father blessed his intuit. “You got it!” he said before bellowing into poignant metamorphosis of imagery through sound. There was much appreciation shown between the Father and his disciples.
The people wanted more and more we got. Tillman performed ‘Bored in the USA’ from his new album which he described as a “complicated Free Bird.” It was reminiscent of his Letterman Performance a mere two weeks ago which received a standing ovation.
The satirical humor of the song captivated the audience as they participated the canned laughter which litters the album version.
The relationship between performer and spectators was unparalleled and it made for a very special set. “Save my white Jesus” screamed Tillman as the crowd chuckled with perfect timing.
The Fathers sermon had drawn to a satisfying end. Tillman’s reinvention is inspiring as well and genius. His music speaks volumes for his character and mindset and there is no surprise why he has amassed a loyal group of followers. It’s almost as if he has tricked us into a cult with the promise of enlightenment and after that gig the public felt closer than ever. We were abdicated of my musical sins and given a chance of musical redemption.