by Meaghan Paulosky
On Friday, April 25th, South Philadelphia’s capacity for beard-and-flannel enthusiasts maxed out. Less than a year after their Morgan’s Pier appearance, Woods made a return trip for a sold-out crowd at Boot & Saddle. This was just the second show to promote their new album, With Light And With Love, but if it’s any indication of the rest of the tour, future show-goers have something to be very, very excited about.
Though beards were definitely in the majority on Friday, they were not essential. Since coming together in 2005, Woods have been growing their originally vocal-heavy folk songs. Now, marked by a curious blend of psychedelic/folk/indie pop, their sound is starting to seduce shaggy folk-lovers and cleaner-cut pop fans alike.
To such an audience of about 150 in number, Woods showered the room with their signature command of percussion via Adam Neveu and Jeremy Earl’s hypnotically mellow vocals. With near country sounding influences, the experimental rhythms and periods of somber guitar from the rest of the multi-instrumental band challenged their previous records with a new identity. Whether long-time devotees or interested newcomers, attendees quickly formed a synchronized pattern of swaying and nodding. Bizarrely uniform, the understated movement reflected the charming calm of Woods’ music and own movements.
Woods shared the night with an also impressive set by the sixties-esque Quilts. They will continue touring together through the US and Canada before Woods takes off for Europe in September. If, regrettably, you can’t make the journey to an upcoming show, check out With Light And With Love at woodsist.com/woods/.
