Brooklyn-based folk rock quartet Big Thief brought their latest record “Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You” to the Miami Beach Bandshell with an opening set from guitarist Buck Meek in support of his latest record “Two Saviors.”

Backed by four musicians, including Big Thief collaborator Mat Davidson on pedal steel and 12-string acoustic guitar, Buck Meek’s set evoked the more country side of his main band’s sound. With a twangy voice often singing harmonies underneath Adrianne Lenker’s soft vocals, Meek’s strident voice has such a presence with a timbre reminiscent of Willie Nelson and music evoking the sound of John Prine.

Buck Meek @ Miami Beach Bandshell

Four albums deep into their career, Big Thief have constantly evolved on each release. With the more rock-based sound of their debut record “Masterpiece” to the folkier “Capacity,” their latest record “DNWMIBIY” features a more experimental approach to their established sound with psychedelic production by drummer James Krivchenia. Bassist Max Oleartchik plays rhythmically melodic bass underneath the guitars and vocals of Lenker and Meek, switching between upright and electric bass. On violin, Mat Davidson joins the band to give the group a more country-inspired twang that is featured heavily on the record. The set primarily comprised of “DNWMIBIY” with an encore of “Masterpiece” getting the hardcore fans of the band absolutely hyped to hear some older tracks from the band’s catalog.

Big Thief @ Miami Beach Bandshell

Setlist: 

Dried Roses
Blue Lightning
Certainty
Vampire Empire
Horsepower
Simulation Swarm
Flower of Blood
12,000 Lines
Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You
Contact
Not
Shark Smile
Happiness
Spud Infinity

Encore:
Masterpiece
Cattails

(Note: Terminal Paradise and Change were on the setlist, but not played. 12,000 Lines was played, but not on the setlist)