Josh Tillman, better known by his stage name, Father John Misty, brought his tour to the Roxian. The theatre was packed for a sold-out show, filled with die-hard fans singing along, dancing, and just vibing. A seasoned performer, Misty entralled the crowd throughout the evening and commanded the stage with flowing movements.
The stage was stacked with more instruments than one can count, including multiple guitars, keyboards, an impressive drum kit, a tambourine, multiple saxophones, and a unique-looking string instrument. This array of instruments led to each song in the two hour set having a distinct sound. From folk/indie rock to some country vibes, from slow melodic ballads to funkier bops, Misty treated fans to a wide array of his works. He also brought out some songs that he called “fake jazz” which sounded suspiciously like real jazz. The lighting on stage would switch to match the tone of the music, going from consistent darkness to a red spotlight with a blue background to a multitude of flashing colourful lights. The combined audio and visuals made the evening unpredictable and emotional.
Between songs, Misty spoke to the crowd in his typical deadpan style, and the crowd ate it up. It was difficult at times to tell if he was serious or joking, and that’s the point. This style is also seen throughout Misty’s lyrics, with a healthy dose of wit and cynicism layered behind the charming, smooth vocals and irresistible melodies. This is the true appeal of Father John Misty, and it translates to an incredible live performance that shouldn’t be missed.
