Local Concert Alert: Father John Misty

It’s been a busy year for Josh Tillman (aka Father John Misty). He has toured Europe and North America, performed on Saturday Night Live, and on Tuesday recorded a live album at Third Man Records. All of this has been to support his album Pure Comedy, released earlier this year. The 74 minute double album is Tillman’s most ambitious project to date, expanding on subjects he touched upon in his previous work, I Love You, Honeybear (2015). The record explores Tillman’s ideas on entertainment, fame, religion, the environment, and the “ironic” hipster persona that surrounds him.

Tillman first recorded under his own name, releasing 7 folk albums in almost as many years. Largely ignored, his first big break was as the drummer for Fleet Foxes. Seeking to move to the front of the stage, he left the band, adopted the moniker Father John Misty, and released Fear Fun (2012), a departure from both his earlier solo acoustic output and the music of Fleet Foxes. He found commercial and critical success with his follow-up, I Love You, Honeybear. His songs usually feature an acoustic guitar as the foundation from which Tillman hangs stirring strings, lively horn sections, and biting percussion. The themes he explored on Fear Fun narrowed on Honeybear, a concept album about Tillman’s love and marriage to his wife, photographer Emma Tillman. His lyrics are biting, humorous, and ironic, but somehow manage to be at the same time sentimental and vulnerable.

Tillman’s live shows are some of the most exciting around. Not only is he touring with a small orchestra to faithfully recreate the record, his on-stage banter can be pretty hilarious. With psychedelic pop act and Ariel Pink collaborator Weyes Blood opening, this show will be an unforgettable experience.

Father John Misty and Weyes Blood: October 1st, 2017.

White Oak Music Hall: (713)237-0370

2915 N Main Street, Houston, TX, 77009

All Ages. Doors open at 6:00 P.M. Get tickets here.