Sylvan Esso
Express Live – November 3, 2021
November 5, 2021
I had been debating whether or not I wanted to see Sylvan Esso when they came to Columbus; they’ve been on my radar since 2014 when “Coffee” came out and I was just a wee sophomore in high school. Like most things that were cool and ultimately good for me, I ignored Sylvan Esso for more exciting, radical acts like Catfish and the Bottlemen and Weezer (yes, I loved Everything Will Be Alright In The End).
What’s funny is I’ve held Sylvan Esso on this very high pedestal of like, musical exceptionalism for a long time, despite knowing very little of their work. I know a lot of cool people who listen to their music and what’s included in my rotation is very good. Alas, where my inhibitions lie I don’t know, but the tickets were $30 so I bought one. Maybe it was the impulse, or the notoriety, but mostly for reasons I can’t name, I was more excited for this show than usual, and pre-concert butterflies swarmed my brain.
I don’t usually feel the need to comment on the crowd, but the cis, het, white men of Columbus really showed out in the 5-panel hats and condom beanies. Absolutely outstanding work, Indie brethren. According to Sylvan Esso, a “wild” amount of people showed up on a Wednesday; they must not know Ohioans will use literally any excuse to drink on a weekday.
Sylvan Esso comprises lead singer Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sanborn, and while the duo may look unlikely standing next to one another, there is something very natural about the way they interact on stage. Amelia is outspoken, an incredible singer with an outrageous range and stage presence. Nick is far more reserved, but still passionate and excitable at just the right moments. It’s a dynamic that provides a sense of completion, like everything in your universe, and theirs as well, came together so you could make it to this moment, this show. Music really do be beautiful like that sometimes.
Every moment was a highlight, from Amelia’s dancing (there was much of it) to the howling and the three song encore. The setlist was perfectly curated and laid out, easing the crowd in “What If” before launching into “Ferris Wheel” and following up with several additional bangers (for lack of a better term).
Then Amelia made her way up to a (symbolic) rooftop for dancing. Upon her return to the ground floor, she and Nick literally created the riff for “Hey Mami,” Amelia singing each key and then Nick somehow ensuring we heard it seconds later, seamlessly pieced together and a near perfect match to the record.
“Free” was equally noteworthy: Amelia stood stage right, watching her reflection in an oval shaped mirror as a beam of light bounced off and shone away from her, eventually making its way across the crowd. She did so very slowly, almost like she was making sure everyone got the opportunity to not only see themselves, but maybe see themselves how they see her? How free everyone would be if only we viewed ourselves the way our loved ones and true friends do! How liberating would that be if we gave ourselves the grace we give others, or the love and admiration we give celebrities we don’t even know. I’m glad she made me think about it, so anyone reading this has to think about it too.
Hearing “Coffee” live was incredibly cool, another nod to my bebe indie days (it came in at #56 on the Alt108 2014 countdown). They finished up with “Play It Right” before returning for a three song encore to my greatest joy. One is certainly appreciated but three is outrageously kind, so thank you Sylvan Esso.
As I am sure is evident by now, I am very glad I decided to attend this show. Some words I jotted down when I got home were “fantasmic,” “limitless” and “powerful.” Even finishing this up a few days later, they don’t sound over the top or silly to me. All shows are special (and a privilege!) but Sylvan Esso caught me off guard in more ways than one, quietly making an impact when I wasn’t looking. You know, the way things do that are cool and ultimately good for you?
Find Sylvan Esso featured on my latest creation sad girl autumn 2021 (below)
