John Moreland Returns to Bloomington
John Moreland put on a great show last week in Bloomington, Indiana at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The intimate crowd got to experience what has made Moreland such a compelling artist over the years. The alt-country singer-songwriter started his music careers in punk and hardcore bands before trading distortion for acoustic guitars, letting his lyrics do the heavy lifting. His breakthrough came in 2015 with High on Tulsa Heat, an emotional album with in-depth storytelling receiving high praise from late-night radio shows, and glowing press from outlets like Rolling Stone and NPR. His performance at Buskirk-Chumley Theater was nothing short of breathtaking, proving why he’s one of the most underrated voices in Americana.
This was my second time seeing Moreland this year, the first being at Savannah Music Festival in April. His shows are consistent, you always know what you are getting. His gritty vocals, poignant guitar riffs, and even some harmonica. Being in a smaller venue like the Buskirk-Chumley Theater is what makes his performance even more special. Each show feels less like a performance and more like friends and community coming together. Everyone in that venue has one thing in common, a love for strong lyrics and real performances without all the bells and whistles.
When Moreland stepped on stage, a lone spotlight found him, plunging the rest of the room into darkness. The quiet broke only with the crack of a beer can before he launched into the first song. Each song sang with such delicacy, making the lyrics hit harder for everyone in the room. Though a quiet setting, the crowd absolutely erupted after every song. His voice was particularly impeccable during his performance of ‘Julia’ , one of my favorite songs. The intimacy of the moment, paired with the power of his lyrics, left the room hanging onto every word.
Moreland knows how to entice a crowd. His ability to hold a room with nothing but his guitar and his words is rare, and it’s what keeps fans coming back every tour. If you are a fan of Americana, alt-country, and folk artists, John Moreland is a must see. If you can’t see him live, I urge you to take a listen to his extensive discography.
