Elvis Perkins Plays A Spellbinding Show At Rough Trade

The veteran performer took the stage on Monday night, and my first thought was surprisingly- “He kind of looks like Jason Lee’s character from Almost Famous doesn’t he?” While my eye for movie doppelgangers may not be the greatest, my ear for wonderfully crafted music was as on point as possible for Elvis Perkins’ performance at Rough Trade.

About as unique of a songwriter and musician as you’ll ever hear, it was so refreshing to hear Elvis’ style of songwriting doesn’t feature traditional intro-verse-chorus-etc. format. His songs and stories develop their own journey through subtle chord and melody changes. Although he’s a bit under the radar and a bit unknown to most, he’s clearly music’s hidden gem amongst the overpopulated guitarists that visit NYC on a nightly basis. His freshly, unique style of folk serenaded a packed crowd to songs off his new album, I Aubade.

His band’s instrumentation is just as special and unique as he is, featuring a pump organ, electric autoharp, and some synth machines, and of course Elvis’ classical-styled acoustic guitars. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a set with more unknown twists and musical spellbound turns. His subtle power leaves his listeners in somewhat of a musical trance, at least that was the case on a mysterious foggy night in North Williamsburg.