Kyle Craft @ The Tractor Tavern
Kyle Craft Live @ The Tractor Tavern
February 1, 2018 in Seattle, Wash.
With The Shivas and Ghost Foot
Words and Photos by Rachel Bennett
Something fantastic about Kyle Craft is that his recorded work and his live performances sound comparable, meaning listeners will rarely be disappointed. In both cases, the music is strong and raw; Craft’s voice belts above twangy guitar riffs and catchy piano chords with beautiful inhibition and charismatic energy. Seeing him live is especially rewarding because you get to see his facial expressions portray the emotion he pours into every song.
For the release of his new album Full Circle Nightmare, out on Seattle’s Sub Pop Records, Craft played a sold out show at the Tractor Tavern. The room was packed and spirits were high, as stellar sets by The Shivas and Ghost Foot kicked things off.
Craft took the stage backed by a 7-piece band, which is a new setup; in fact, the band was also a new addition to the recording of Full Circle Nightmare. Having a full stage of people playing with the same passion and energy makes Craft’s music all the more robust and moving.
At one point during the set the band left the stage and Craft sat at the keyboard, alone. He played “Chelsea Hotel #2” by Leonard Cohen and then followed it with a protest song he had written a couple days ago, which addressed Jesus, asking him if he was ashamed that people who follow him also follow Donald Trump.
The crowd was obviously moved; people cheered and clapped loudly and felt many feelings. Kyle Craft is brave and honest, and he has the potential to become highly influential as an artist and poet.
Check out Rachel’s review of Full Circle Nightmare on Old Rookie.
See more of her pictures from this show on our Flickr page.