Review: These United States @ the Fox
These United States @ The Fox Theater – Boulder, CO – August 21
Being the opening band is never easy. People don’t listen: they are too busy mulling around, deciding the best plan of attack to the bar, or scouting the best spot to get as close as possible to the headliner. Luckily it is not exactly like that for These United States. They have developed a healthy fan base, having released four albums in only two years and staying on a regular touring schedule. So, when they came on stage at 9:00 PM sharp on Saturday night, there was already a decent assembly of people ready and waiting.
Though most stood back from the front of the stage, those who knew the band sang along to their songs – a combination of upbeat Americana and thoughtful ballads. Those just being introduced to the music quickly warmed up.
TUS launched into a barrage of new songs as lead singer Jesse Elliott dubbed their new album, What Lasts, one of the “Top 100 Greatest Albums of All-Time, according to the members of this band.” The new album is more somber than their previous work. The songs pack less punch but are poetic and hauntingly memorable. On Saturday, ballads like What Lasts and Dug Him in the Dirt silenced the audience as J. Tom Hnatow slid his hand slowly on the steel pedal guitar. The more uplifting One You Believe and The Important Thing (the latter from their 2009 album, Everything Touches Everything), were the ones that got some heads bobbing and feet moving as the rhythm section brought it up a notch. READ ON for more…
