English singer/songwriter Bobby Long just wrapped up a breathtaking set at the Marina Stage. Playing an intense, passionate sort of modern folk, in the same vain as Bright Eyes, Bobby Long mixed contemporary folk aesthetics with alternative country, rock, and blues. This musical spunk meshed perfectly with his deeply personal, heartfelt lyrics, which he sang in a steady, strong, even somewhat raspy croon.

Behind his English charm (–the man certainly knows how to win over an audience–) Bobby demonstrated a real understanding of songwriting, and is clearly one of the up-and-coming forces in the music world. With a fantastic backing band consisting of mandolin, guitar, bass, slide guitar, and drums, Bobby’s sound was at times rolling and rollicking alt-country, and at other points pensive and steady folk. No matter the tempo, the musicianship was always great, as the band really had a strong pulse to support Bobby’s brilliant wordplay. The high point of the performance may have been the final song, “It’s Hard To Take,” which saw Bobby playing his guitar solo, while the guitarist and drummer came to the front of the stage to share vocal duties with Bobby. The song highlighted Bobby’s vocal strengths, and made evident the great relationship he seems to have with his band.

As poetic as Bob Dylan, passionate as Conor Oberst, and musical as Neil Young, Bobby Long had the audience captivated from the moment he took the stage until he finally unplugged his guitar.

Max Ufberg
Temple University
Intern

Setlist:
1. Penance Fire Blues
2. The Rattle and Roll
3. Who Have You Been Long
4. A Winter Tale
5. Two Years Old
6. It’s Hard To Take