Edinburgh’s Usher Hall welcomed the return of Father John Misty (real name Josh Tillman) on the 12th of April, where he was supported by longtime collaborator and friend, Butch Bastard.
Butch Bastard
Taking the stage promptly at 8pm, Butch Bastard warmed up the crowd with a choppy, laid-back acoustic set laced with playful banter and sharp emotional resonance. His stripped-back performance allowed his thoughtful lyrics to shine. Although the set lacked the polish of a full band, its unconventional charm set the tone for the night.
Father John Misty
Father John Misty launched into the first track with smooth confidence as the band harmonised: funky riffs and tight backing vocals to accompany his arrival.
Starting with the 8 minute single, “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All,” officially released in July of last year. It plays into a 70’s style; flares of sax, piano and Father John Misty’s iconic commentary complemented with a disco and an upbeat feel and immediately people in the audience were lost in the music.
The set featured a number of fresh tracks from his newest album, “Mahashmashana,” released November of last year. With songs like “Being You” from his recent album, Tillman shares his experience with the audience, while following with upbeat flute lines with roaring guitar riffs, climaxing in a punchy chorus.
“Screamland” was an emotional rollercoaster with lyrics like: “Stabbing at the ashtray like it might give me the truth,” where it felt confessional, almost as if we were hearing private thoughts broadcast on a cinematic scale. The gutting chorus, “Stay young/ Get numb/ Keep dreaming/ Screamland,” the backing instrumentals heightening the emotional experience. “Mental Health” followed, a ballad wrapped in irony and late-capitalist despair, which let out some smirks and laughs from the crowd.
After a brief break, the highly anticipated single “I Love You, Honeybear” was performed which brought the audience to their feet. A final saxophone solo sealed the night with flair. Father John Misty’s performance highlighted that his return to Usher Hall was not just a gig—it was a spectacle which almost served as a strange kind of group therapy, one that we didn’t know we needed.