Just a year and change after The Mountain Goats brought their Spectral Tide tour to Union Transfer, the Philadelphia venue welcomed them back to showcase their 22nd studio album, Jenny From Thebes.
Draped on the back wall of the venue was the ornate artwork from the record. The text circling the ancient figures in a medallion design translates to: I will bring this man back and he will have his city and move freely in his father’s halls. Long-time listeners of the band know lead singer and songwriter John Darnielle first introduced the character Jenny on his All Hail West Texas LP in 2002; the new album takes a deep dive into her character with songs such as “Fresh Tattoo” and “Clean Slate.”
Field Medic | photo by Elie Pichanick for WXPN
Saturday night began with Field Medic taking the stage. His set was raw and emotional, flipping between “bangers and ballads,” playing songs that discussed heartbreak and newfound love. The crowd at Union Transfer was filled with admirers, prompting him to explain that his song “Place To Be” – a song about a disrespectful New York City crowd that talked over his set – was not about this Philadelphia audience.
Entering to bright lights and haze, The Mountain Goats began their set with “The Legend of Chavo Guerrero,” a mid-catalog favorite released on their 2015 album Beat The Champ. Union Transfer was completely filled, fans standing shoulder-to-shoulder, singing with their hands waving in the air.
The Mountain Goats | photo by Elie Pichanick for WXPN
Five songs later, a fan from the audience shouted to Darnielle, wanting him to play a specific song. Darnielle turned to Peter Hughes (bassist, backup vocalist, and guitarist) and asked if he remembered the chords to “Going to Utrecht,” a song that was released on their “Nine Black Poppies” album in 1995. Hughes guessed which chords were used in the song, and Darnielle confirmed. This song has apparently been absent from their setlists for five years, and had not been performed outside of Utrecht in fourteen years. Darnielle and Hughes unretired this song after a request from an audience member, and sang it like it hadn’t been a day since the last time.
After “Going to Utrecht,” Hughes left the stage, and Darnielle sang two more cuts solo. In between each, he took a moment and introduced them with stories and comments. He carried his note-filled journal with him, and joked he should not bother to bring the notebook, as he doesn’t wear contacts. Throughout, he had a friendly banter with the crowd and Union Transfer was filled with laughter in between each song. The energy brought by Darnielle created an atmosphere of community. It felt like he and the band were performing for their friends and family.
The Mountain Goats | photo by Elie Pichanick for WXPN
The full band returned and played six more songs before closing the pre-encore part of the set with “This Year.” Suddenly every person in this packed venue, on the floor and on the balcony, were jumping. The floor shook. Screaming voices and teary eyes filled the space, while Darnielle leaned over the edge of the stage, locking eyes with fans and singing to them. After a thank you, the band exited the stage, waited a moment, and came back on for a four song encore. This encore included the popular “No Children,” and came to a close with “Heel Turn 2.”
The Mountain Goats’ shows never disappoint. Bringing in songs from every era of their career, they appeal to every fan. A feeling of nostalgia washes over the crowd as they play songs from their 1990s and 2000s albums, and excitement fills the audience when they play songs that were released just last year. It’s cross-generational, it’s all-encompassing, and not to be missed the next time they come through town.
The Mountain Goats | photo by Elie Pichanick for WXPN
Check out photos and see The Mountain Goats’ setlist from Saturday night below. The Jenny From Thebes tour continues August 6th in Charlottesville, Virginia, before wrapping in Virginia Beach, Knoxville, and Columbia, SC; dates here.