After more than 20 years, The The’s return with a new album couldn’t be more timely. Matt Johnson, the band’s driving force, evolved The The’s sound from its origins in catchy electronic music to a heavier rock style in the early 2000s, all while maintaining a distinctive voice characterized by his deep baritone and thought-provoking lyrics. Despite the passage of decades, his themes of personal struggle, social critique, and existential inquiry remain just as relevant.
The band’s Philly performance at The Fillmore this Monday began with the entire new album, Ensoulment, showcasing a blend of past and present influences. The album reflects on modern concerns such as COVID, recent societal divisions, and the accompanying personal turmoil. Opening with “Cognitive Dissident,” the line “Truth stands on the gallows, lies sit on the throne” set a bold tone, echoing the album’s themes. Among the newer tracks, “A Rainy Day” stood out for its immediate appeal, drawing a strong response from the audience.
The The | photo by Joe Del Tufo for WXPN
The second half of the concert, a retrospective set, was a high-energy experience, with the band performing 13 classic songs from across five decades. The crowd enthusiastically danced and sang along, even to lyrics that carried a depth beyond typical dance anthems. It was also interesting see a substantial number of younger fans in the crowd.
A standout moment was “Lonely Planet” from the 1993 album Dusk. The repeated chorus, “If you can’t change the world, change yourself,” resonated powerfully, culminating in a memorable audience singalong. The show concluded with an extended rendition of “Uncertain Smile,” from their 1983 debut Soul Mining. The line “A broken soul stares from a pair of watering eyes, uncertain emotions force an uncertain smile” brought the performance to a poignant yet electrifying close.