More about: Big Thief

A packed out Eventim Apollo hosts Brooklyn-based four-piece Big Thief in their biggest concert to date tonight (27 February). The crowd in the stalls spill out of the doors; IPAs in taller peoples' hands spill over the plastic cups and onto my head.

'Zombie' rings in as the serene sweetness in Adrianne Lenker’s voice hypnotises everyone in the colossal hall. She mumbles words as if that is exactly how they are supposed to sound - and the result is spell-binding.

The soothing melodies are suddenly picked up by superb guitar riffs and the odd solo. “This is so cool", says Lenker in an incredulous tone, "this is definitely the most people we have ever played for”. The interruptions from the inebriated public don’t stop Big Thief from pausing between songs, and so 'Masterpiece', 'Capacity' and 'Shark Smile' go by.

Still overwhelmed and after saying her thank you's to everyone in the band’s crew – including a sweet mention to her brother for the “emotional support” – Adrianne looks around in stupefaction: “it seems like a special occasion.”

And it very much is. Today they debut two new songs ('Time Escaping' and 'Two Rivers') in front of their largest crowd thus far. The audience roars upon hearing the announcement, and although Lenker sounds unsure as she warns the songs are also new to her, the ensemble once again show that the connection they have while performing works just as well with songs new and old.

Toward the end of the set, 'Not' from album Two Hands enjoys a stellar moment with one of the few momentous guitar solos of the show. The singer then turns to the rest of the band in a moment of appreciation - the chemistry Big Thief share on stage is palpable, even though they don't always interact with one another.

This was a night for Big Thief to prove themselves, and not only did they do that, they exceeded all expectations. Nineteen songs later, Adrianne has shown that a soft voice can also be a powerhouse. Big Thief as an entity ratify that no set-list is too long if it is this masterfully executed.

More about: Big Thief