Concert Review: Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band

BY ELKE MERMIS

Conor Oberst has endured a slew of slightly painful Bob Dylan comparisons since he penned his very first sprawling story-song in his Midwestern hometown in the late ’90s. Yeah, he’s got a weird voice; yeah, he’s a masterful lyricist; yeah, he’s from a smallish town in the middle of the country, hates fame, whatever, we get it. But the truth in these comparisons never struck me with the sheer force that they did on Sunday night, when Conor Oberst unveiled his latest incarnation in Kansas City by the dim lights of the Beaumont Club: The Mystic Valley Band.

Spilling out onto the stage without a second to waste, Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band barely reached their instruments before recklessly launching into a raucous version of “Sausalito,” thrilling the crowd with a surprisingly feel-good bluegrass sound, heavy on the folk and alt-country influences.

Even though a refreshing swagger accompanied the tone of Oberst’s signature quavering vocals, the band’s frontman was immediately clear about his intentions, refocusing both the band and the crowd on whatever was Not Conor — whether that be by hiding behind his guitar (literally), hiding beneath his gigantic Amish black hat, or, more obviously, refusing to play a single Bright Eyes song.