Big Thief Unveil ‘Horsepower’ at Surprise Ryman Auditorium Show

On Saturday night, Aug. 23, in Nashville, fans arrived at the Ryman Auditorium prepared for a standard evening of music. Instead, they were treated to an epic surprise: Big Thief debuted their new unreleased triple album, Horsepower, in its entirety. The performance featured an incredible array of Americana and roots icons, including Iris DeMent, Gillian Welch, and Lucinda Williams, alongside a renowned cast of session players.

Signs of an unusual night were present upon entry: the lack of an opening act, a phone-free policy, and a stage set with enough seating for a large ensemble. As Adrianne Lenker, Buck Meek, and James Krivchenia took their seats around a mysterious wooden table, the audience realized they were witnessing something unique.

A Collaborative Vision

Lenker explained that Horsepower was recorded in Nashville last May. While the album was played in its entirety, it was not performed in sequence. Lenker candidly told the crowd that those hoping for tour staples from previous records might be disappointed, but those open to a new experience would be rewarded. As she played the first song solo and gradually welcomed more musicians to the stage, the performance felt like a culmination of the band’s long-standing integration of folk and country influences into their indie-rock sound.

The Sound of Horsepower

The album features 29 songs, many of which have been circulating in the band’s live repertoire for years. Tracks like the title track, “Happiness,” and “Muscle Memory” were showcased, while “Sadness Is a Gift” appeared in a new light. The arrangements were notably twangy, drawing from a diverse pool of influences including Gram Parsons, Joni Mitchell, and John Prine, all while maintaining the band’s signature narrative depth.

A Star-Studded Folk Ensemble

The presence of legends like DeMent, Welch, and Williams added a rich, harmonic layer to the performance. Lenker noted that she and Meek bonded over DeMent’s music early in their relationship, making the collaboration particularly poignant. The night was documented by multiple cameras for a future concert film, though official release details for the album remain under wraps.

As the night concluded with “Gift Pleasure Joy,” a song written during the recording process, it was clear that the band intended to leave their audience with a sense of wonder. With another performance scheduled for Sunday, the Ryman experience stands as a testament to the band’s evolving artistry and their commitment to finding joy in a complex world.