Live Review | The Civil Wars

Joy Williams and John Paul White are a perfect example of opposites attracting, at least in a professional sense. The two met at a Nashville songwriting session in 2008, of which they were both reluctant to attend, and formed The Civil Wars later that year. Joy’s vivacious personality is a contrast to the reserved and sometimes stoic demeanor of John Paul, but the, “stew,” as Joy refers to it, that The Civil Wars are responsible for is, mighty, mighty tasty. (I don’t think we can ever have enough food metaphors.)

Located in a renovated 19^th century church, Earth House is a primo spot to catch a show in downtown Indianapolis, usually. In a room of about two-hundred, The Civil Wars were given a warm welcome as they took the stage at around 9pm. If you aren’t familiar with Joy & John Paul’s sound, they’re a folky, bluesy, southern influenced, home cooked (there’s another one), duo that almost sound like a chorus of ten between the dynamics in their voices and their masterful harmonies. The most movement you’ll see in the crowd is some swaying back & forth as their sleepy melodies melt listeners like butter. Now, the reason I said this was usually a good place to see a show was that in the dimly lit room, with the hot, humid July evening air, and The Civil Wars doing what they do best, this guy got a little heavy-eyed towards the end. (I blame it on the fact that I couldn’t follow up the drinks I had before the show once inside – dry venue, who knew?)

As I mentioned before, the quality that struck me the most in The Civil Wars was how powerful their vocals were. As soon as they reached the chorus in “Tip of My Tongue” (their opener) my friend and I both looked at each other at the same time thinking the same thing…DYNAMICS. From their roaring crescendos to the softest whisper, The Civil Wars kept everyone on their toes. (There were no seats to be on the edge of) Their vocal control really is something else and absolutely worth the price for admission wherever you may be able to see them. Joy brings this bubbly, rich, warm tone that welcomes you in and John Paul comes right underneath with a raspy, bluesy quality that compliments Joy better than a bottle’a'red would most meals.

Comprised of “old” favorites from their Live at Eddie’s Attic EP, cuts from this year’s Barton Hallow and plenty of covers, you can find the setlist below. It’s funny, the crowd, which was primarily teenaged, was more excited for their covers than their originals, it seemed. But when examining what they played, can you blame them? I’m ashamed to admit, I didn’t even recognize “Disarm.”

Keep an eye out for these two – The Civil Wars aren’t ending anytime soon.

Setlist: