Concert Review: Futurebirds return to The Ryman for an unforgettable night

By: Dylan Basden

Returning for a night at The Ryman, Futurebirds bring a spirited and eventful show to Nashville’s holiest musical site.

Out in support of their latest studio album, Easy Company, Futurebirds are eager to continue building on their steady stream of growth. Easy Company is their fourth album in near-as-many years, pair that with near constant touring and you can expect dividends as a band. Rather than just letting these pay out, The Birds have doubled down and reinvested in their live shows; a brand-new backdrop, some dazzling stage wear, and some fresh merch for their loyal fans earmark this new era. They might have a familiar face, but they certainly aren’t the same Futurebirds of old.

For those unknowing, Futurebirds are a group of rowdy southern rockers hailing from Athens, Georgia, with their modern sound drawing on influences of jam culture and folk/Americana for a poignant ‘Jamicana’ sound. For added context, their new album sees the band collaborate with Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield and Drive-By Trucker’s Patterson Hood. 

While many, myself included, might roll their eyes at a jam band and write one off as a bunch of guys noodling on stage, that isn’t the case for Futurebirds. While yes, they noodle as good as the greats, they’ve also constructed and arranged their songs in such a way that there is a defined, albeit intricate, structure. Instrumental interludes dotted their performance and connected their songs with ease, their opening montage of “All Damn Night,” “M J B,” and “Ski Chalet” being a great example. Even in despite of their longer tracks and lengthy setlist (28 songs by the time it was all said and done), the night seemed to fly by.

The band seemed to have no lack of content, with a setlist spattered with songs across their vast discography as well as a handful of covers (including a very unexpected cover of LCD Soundsystem’s “All My Friends”). Ranging from indie rock, to folk, to harder rock, and even some songs that are awfully close to country music, The Birds used that wide array of their discography to provide an incredibly dynamic set. You can also throw in a pair of surprise visits from legendary guitarist Marty Schwartz and My Morning Jacket’s Carl Broemel as the icing on top.

Finally, one thing you need to know about Futurebirds, especially if you plan on going to a live show, is that their fans would likely step into cult-following territory, and I say that as high praise. You don’t often find followings as dedicated as the ‘BirdFam,’ from eating up exclusive merch, being well-versed in all things Futurebirds, to travelling hundreds of miles for shows. This is a dedicated flock. They’re also welcoming, even as someone watching from outside the window, I was welcomed warmly by their fans who, between sets, turned The Ryman’s Golden Circle into a sort of meet and greet amongst fans. Many knew each other, having been to sometimes dozens of shows together, but many didn’t. It was a warm community of folks who had struck up a connection around a band.

While jam-rock might not jump out as being the most accessible music, I believe Futurebirds are a great entry point, especially in a live setting. Their strength across many subgenres makes them so well versed and adaptable to many styles, while their fans leave little room for you to find yourself excluded. Their concerts exemplify what live music should be all about: positive energy, community, and just having a good night.

View the full live gallery here.