Concert Review: Jason Isbell

By: Dylan Basden

Jason Isbell returns to Birmingham for the first time in nearly two years for the first of two sold out nights at Avondale Brewing Company.

Fresh off the release of their latest album, Weathervanes, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit have not only perfected their craft, but evolved it as well. Now joined onstage by veteran collaborator Will Johnson (guitar/percussion), the band has further fleshed out their Americana-meets-rock’n’roll sound with more densely layered sounds and an eclectic arrangement ranging from classic country to modern indie rock. Hailing from Alabama, Isbell seemed more than eager to return to the state.

Western Kentucky native and singer/songwriter S.G. Goodman kicked off the night with a lot of fanfare. Combining howling vocals with a sweeter tone and a warm hollow body guitar, Goodman brings the impending thud of classic southern rock with the lyricism and heart of the contemporary folk revival. Her backing band added a tightness around her, with crisp drumming, rocking bass, and a powerful electric guitar pushing her songs forward. Her song “Space And Time” calls upon her Appalachian roots, with its soft and somber delivery slowly clawing at the heart. S.G. Goodman was an amazing pairing to go with Jason Isbell and was certainly a highlight of the show.

The 400 Unit’s set began at blue hour, with clear skies and a crescent moon dangling above. The audience was immediately faced with Isbell’s impending production— a large diamond-shaped canvas wrapped in lighting was rigged just overhead of the band, even out stretching the outmost support beam. Clearly designed for bigger stages, this hulking piece of production was one of the largest set pieces I’ve seen on the Avondale stage. However, despite its size, it never overshadowed the band (even if the limited stage height forced it to literally overshadow the band).

The band began their set with what appears to be a solidified first three songs for this touring cycle. Isbell and company are known for swapping their setlists up night to night, but this opening trio really sets a tone with its mix of new and old, a sandwiching of Weathervanes and solo Isbell. Closing out this opening act was “King of Oklahoma”, a sweeping verse-heavy rock song capped off by extended solos from Isbell and Sadler Vaden (guitar). Overhead the canvas was lit up with an array of moving light reminiscent of the ocean.

Photo: Dylan Basden

After a rather rowdy first few songs, The 400 Unit settled into Isbell’s softer side. “Last of My Kind” was marked by Sadler’s beautiful slide guitar and Derry deBorja’s delicate tapping on the keys. A smooth transition saw the band into “Travelling Alone”, a fan favorite from Isbell’s solo career. During the chorus, a very audible choir of fans could be heard belting along with the band— the song’s overtly personal lyrics being the perfect catalyst for connection. Most bands will utilize a natural lull in their set as a breather, letting the less intense songs function more as filler than a part of the show; This is not the case for The 400 Unit. Isbell is different, his songwriting wraps around you, drawing your focus in closer in its quieter moments rather than losing it.

The band wasted little time returning to their rock ways, with Isbell proudly proclaiming “ I love playing here. This is a good town for rock’n’roll music.” The stage erupted into a loud battlefield, as dueling drumkits kicked in for “Death Wish”. Intricate auxiliary percussion from Johnson complimented Chad Gamble’s moodier kick. Throughout the night Isbell had made it a point to hype up a singular strike to a gong, claiming you can only have one gong hit per gong per show. This much anticipated moment came during “Miles”, a much needed cathartic release towards the end of the set.

All good things must come to an end however, thankfully The 400 Unit still had some tricks up their sleeves. Sadler Vaden, a former member of Georgia’s Drivin’ n’ Cryin’, would take over on lead vocals for a cover of the aforementioned’s “Honeysuckle Blue”. This then lead into a stripped back rendition of Isbell’s “Cover Me Up”, which received much praise. The song’s account of Isbell’s fight with alcoholism resonated with the audience, with cheers being heard several blocks away after the line “I swore off that stuff, forever this time”. The band would then break for an encore, returning with the very appropriate “Alabama Pines”. Their full setlist is below. 

Setlist:

1. Save the World

2. 24 Frames

3. King of Oklahoma

4. Vestavia Hills

5. Super 8

6. Last of My Kind

7. Travelling Alone

8. Overseas

9. Stockholm

10. When We Were Close

11. Middle of the Morning

12. Death Wish

13. If We Were Vampires

14. Miles

15. Cast Iron Skillet

16. Honeysuckle Blue (Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ cover)

17. Cover Me Up

Encore:

1. Alabama Pines

2. This Ain’t It

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit have just started this leg of tour and have a ton of dates ahead of them. With dates on the docket all across the United States culminating in an eight-night residency at The Ryman in Nashville, TN. You can find tickets to all of Isbell’s upcoming shows here.

This show is genuinely one of the best I’ve ever seen. Jason Isbell and company have thoroughly proven themselves through the years, but this show in Birmingham felt different. The heart, the soul, and the downright musicianship of The 400 Unit was on full display. The production was bigger than ever, the band was as good as ever, and the crowd loved every bite. Isbell has a way of resonating with people, and this show just went to prove it. Jason Isbell is one of the quintessential faces of modern Americana and independent country music and this show is a must see for any fan of the genre. 

View the full live gallery here.