Live music review: Asheville songwriter MJ Lenderman taped ACL TV episode
MJ Lenderman turned heads as a co-frontman and songwriter of Asheville breakout act Wednesday, before striking off on his own out of its touring lineup and taking up as a solo outfit. For Season 51 of Austin City Limits TV (ACL TV), the 26-year-old Lenderman and his backing musicians dubbed “MJ Lenderman and the Wind,” the North Carolina-bred musician delivered a coveted concert taping on July 1 that had the Moody Theater packed to full capacity. Fans were allowed to enter a lottery to win tickets for the performance, with only a select number being guaranteed entry for Tuesday night’s show.
Fresh off the release of his critically acclaimed studio LP, Manning Fireworks, which has garnered broad media coverage, the rising songwriter opted to play the new release in its entirety, recording another commemoration of the immense success garnered by his solo and Wednesday creative outlets. With a style that blends folk and alternative country, the Lenderman company pays homage to the legacies of Wilco, Pavement, Dinosaur Jr., and Neil Young. Taking this into consideration, the influences of which are worn on his sleeve, and the concoction works to utmost tasteful emulation.
Following a brief introduction by the ACL TV Producer Terry Lickona, the Wind took the stage, ready to deliver a picture-perfect set for an eventual TV airing later this year. Several tracks from previous release Boat Songs appeared, along with a double dip into sophomore offering Ghost of Your Guitar Solo. Each track features a dreamlike narrative centered around Lenderman’s melancholic mannerisms, exploring concepts that meditate on emotion with a glimmer of hope throughout.
The backing ensemble that joins the mountain town songwriter includes a pedal steel guitar player, retaining the spirit of his country-tinged Asheville roots intact. Ubiquitous new single “She’s Leaving You” made for a whispered sing-along from the crowd, as these live tapings usually feature minimal chatter from attendees. Nonetheless, fans couldn’t contain their audible excitement for the rising indie rock prospect. “Wrist Watch,” “Rudolph,” and older cut “Tastes Just Like It Costs” showed their faces in the 90-minute performance as well, showing Lenderman giving a presentation on his astronomical trajectory with his hand in two full-time touring acts. Whether you’re a record store enthusiast or a casual music enjoyer, Lenderman and his bandmates churn out the tunes as his prolific career has unfolded.
The evening’s encore came in the form of a re-do of three songs, except “Better this time,” according to the songwriter. With these tapings requiring careful precision, starting a song or two over and landing a studio-perfect rendition is necessary, as presence on the ACL TV stage is immortalized in their ever-growing stack of legends that have graced it throughout its 50 years.
MJ Lenderman heads to Europe for a Summer tour in August before returning to the U.S this Fall for another run of shows. Tickets can be found via his website.
Check your local PBS listings and follow ACL TV on Instagram for updates on taping air dates for MJ Lenderman and the rest of this season’s performers.
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