Big Thief is incomprehensible at The Met

Three years isn’t long for any other band to spend between records, except Big Thief. Earlier this year, the illustrious indie act followed up 2022’s shining Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You with Double Infinity, the group’s first record without founding member and bass player Max Oleartchik. While the years between releases don’t indicate a slowdown for Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker, Buck Meek, and James Krivchenia (all three released solo music during this time), they do represent a re-imagining of the band itself. 

Instead of pairing down, Big Thief scaled up, adding bassist Joshua Crumbly, and a studio full of friends and other like-minded musicians. Lenker described for Raina Douris on World Cafe how it looked inside New York’s Power Station during the time of recording. Picture countless instruments, some unfamiliar, surrounded by blankets, incense, and earthy trinkets all under a wooden dome. Legendary ambient artist Larajii sits to her left; singers Hannah Cohen, June McDoom, and Alena Spanger to her right.  

Now picture nothing at all. Double Infinity leads with single “Incomprehensible,” Lenker’s request to not be visually perceived or judged by society’s standards. “How can beauty that is living be anything but true?” she sings. With more eyes on Big Thief than ever before in their career, this mantra serves as protection, shielding the group from the spectacle of fame. At their Philadelphia show at The Met on Wednesday night, this photographer couldn’t help but notice the irony of “let me be, incomprehensible” expressed to thousands of adoring fans.   

Digressing from the existential, Big Thief sounded just as strong as ever at their Philly show. Performing again as a four-piece with Crumbly on bass, they leaned into the psychedelia of Double Infinity, stretching songs like the rumbling “No Fear” into a wormhole rendition of “Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You,” with a staggering solo section. They were also unafraid to introduce several new songs, as Big Thief has been known to do at live shows. Earlier in the day, when Big Thief came by the XPN studios to record their World Cafe episode, they debuted “Trade Tomorrow,” a joint writing effort from Adrianne, Buck, and James. By the evening, hearing it again on stage, I was ready to sing along. 

Opener Lomelda gave a staggering performance at the top of the night. Songwriter Hannah Read hasn’t come around Philly much (I would’ve noticed), but all was forgiven through the catharsis of hearing “Wonder” from 2020’s Hannah, among others, breathe through a harmonium and orchestral-like arrangement of rock instruments.

Back to Big Thief: following Dragon was a daunting task. No matter how brilliant, Double Infinity was poised to be outshined by its older sibling. But despite any underestimation of the group, or fear of losing a pillar in their former bassist, Big Thief is still Big Thief. Above all, what it seems the group wants to be known for is their commitment to music, and forever exploring and improving their craft. Another moment in World Cafe’s forthcoming interview stood out to me: Adrianne insisted she could leave the business of being Big Thief ™ behind, even if it meant returning to waiting tables and living out of a camper van. She would be happy, as long as she could continue to play music with her friends.