Big Thief took Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium by surprise on Saturday night, unveiling their upcoming triple album “Horsepower” in its entirety alongside an impressive roster of roots music legends. The intimate concert featured appearances from Iris DeMent, Gillian Welch, and Lucinda Williams, who collaborated with the band during the album’s creation in Nashville last May. Rather than performing their usual setlist, the trio remained seated throughout most of the evening, transforming the showcase into an unconventional listening experience that emphasized the record’s folk and country instrumentation.
Band leader Adrianne Lenker informed the audience that while all 29 tracks would be performed, they would not follow the album’s final sequence. Many of the songs have already circulated in live performances over the past few years, though some are making their formal debut. The arrangement allowed the collaborative spirit of “Horsepower” to shine through, with each guest artist contributing distinct vocal and instrumental textures that shaped the record’s sonic identity.
The evening showcased Big Thief’s deepest exploration of country and folk influences yet, marking a natural evolution for the indie rock band. The harmonies between Lenker, DeMent, Welch, and Williams created rich folk arrangements, while the seated format gave the music an intimate, almost ceremonial quality. The special presentation underscored the band’s commitment to roots-based storytelling and collaboration.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
About the Author
