Monsters Of Folk @ The United Palace

“Everyone grows old on the gold coast; it takes a lot of hope to grieve…” came soaring through the United Palace as the curtains rose to reveal the Monsters of Folk opening with their second song off their self-titled album. This super-group, consisting of Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes), Jim James (My Morning Jacket), and M. Ward, was accompanied on this tour by drummer Will Johnson from Centro-Matic and South San Gabriel.

After playing two M.O.F. songs, they played the Bright Eyes’ “Hit the Switch.”  Next, Oberst’s quivering voice accompanied Ward’s raspy tone with Monster’s of Folk track “Slow Down Jo.” Mogis’ instrumentals fit perfectly, as he played slide guitar throughout most of the set and often switched instruments mid-song. Though the album versions of these songs do not do Monsters of Folk the justice they deserve, the chilling atmosphere of “Temazcal” was a highlight of the night. M. Ward’s “To Save Me” (off his new album Hold Time) also fit nicely.  Jim James’ haunting falsettos sent chills down the spine of most in the room when he played My Morning Jacket’s “Smokin’ from Shootin.”

The encore was highlighted by Bright Eyes’ “At the Bottom of Everything,” and the lyrics “We must sing, we must sing, we must sing” were taken literally by the crowd. However, the band saved the best for last with a dramatic and intense version of “His Master’s Voice” as James’ lingering voice filled the venue accompanied by a beautiful vocal harmony and echoing drums. The song ended with a distorted Moog synthesizer cracking in and out as the curtains dropped. Everyone in attendance wanted more, and I left the show with only one word in mind, “Wow!”