AUSTIN, TX- Big Thief closed in on the end of their twenty date North American tour with a stop in Austin, TX on November 5th, the penultimate show before wrapping up a run supporting their sixth studio album ‘Double Infinity’ released in early September via 4AD. There was a sense of culmination in the air, the kind of feeling that tends to gather during the final stretch of a long tour, when a band has fully settled into the new material and can finally let the songs stretch their legs onstage.
The open air Moody Amphitheater provided an ideal backdrop for the night. Under atypically warm autumn skies, thousands of mostly young fans filled the gently sloping lawn, buzzing with that particular anticipation that surrounds a band still in an active state of evolution. There’s a certain freedom in audiences like this, a greater willingness to embrace the unfamiliar and lean into new arrangements, alternate phrasings, and spontaneous shifts in mood. Big Thief have never been a band built around precision for its own sake. Their records are meticulous, but their live shows are fueled by the spirit of the moment, and this performance felt like a clear extension of that instinct.
Adrianne Lenker, Buck Meek, James Krivchenia, and newcomer Joshua Crumbly took the stage with an easy camaraderie and launched straight into the familiar jolt of “Vampire Empire.” From the outset, the band sounded loose, confident, and fully locked in.
The setlist spanned their entire catalog, with a particular emphasis on ‘Double Infinity’ and 2022’s expansive ‘Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You.’ “Incomprehensible,” the first song of the evening from the new album, immediately showcased the band’s growing experimental bent. Its slow build and layered textures created a subtle tension before resolving into something warm and open, guided by Lenker’s intimate lyricism. The pacing of the night was thoughtful, almost architectural. Gritty moments blended into delicate ones, bold songs gave way to quieter reflections, and the band maintained a deliberate rhythm that held the crowd’s attention without ever feeling constrained.
Lenker’s interactions with the audience were sweet and gentle, a soft counterpoint to her commanding guitar work and vocal strength. During the ‘Two Hands’ single “Not,” she faced minor technical issues, acknowledging the awkwardness with a warm laugh and sharing how much she loves performing the song. It was one of those small live show moments that could have derailed the energy, but instead became a highlight. The crowd surged forward, singing loudly and helping carry the song through to its roar of a finish.
Older favorites appeared throughout the night with renewed life. “Mythological Beauty” unfolded with extended instrumental passages that felt patient and exploratory rather than indulgent. “Shark Smile” arrived like a spark, greeted by immediate recognition, while “Masterpiece” was delivered with just enough phrasing shifts and new guitar inflections from Meek to make the familiar feel freshly illuminated. Big Thief have always allowed their songs to evolve, and this show made it clear how naturally that evolution continues to unfold.
The emotional interplay onstage remained one of the band’s greatest strengths. Lenker commands the room with quiet yet punk ferocity, Meek’s guitar work offers a delicate but essential counterbalance, Krivchenia’s percussion remains dynamic and atmospheric, and Crumbly’s bass work slid seamlessly into the role previously held by Max Oleartchik. Their communication felt almost telepathic. A glance. A half smile. A subtle nod. Everything in intuitive sync.
Toward the end of the night, the band leaned deeper into the atmospheric and reflective corners of their catalog, giving the amphitheater a series of moments where the collective attention of thousands seemed to settle into a single shared breath. Those moments are difficult to manufacture, and they are a large part of why Big Thief’s live reputation continues to grow with each tour.
Emotionally charged and musically daring, Big Thief remain as captivating and original as ever. Their sound continues to expand without losing the sincerity that defined their earliest work. With a new European tour set to begin in April of 2026, this Austin performance felt like a clear sign that the band is nowhere near finished growing, challenging themselves, or surprising the people who follow them. If this night was any indication, the next chapter will be one well worth witnessing.
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