Shearwater and Okkervil River

In the most impressive double-duty bill since the Flaming Lips both opened for and backed Beck, singer-songwriters Will Sheff and Jonathan Meiburg pool their talents as both headlining act Okkervil River and early-evening attraction Shearwater. Both groups explore complex emotions with vivid language and cutting insight, but whereas Okkervil River opts for a forlorn rustic feel and rousing choruses, Shearwater serves its sorrow slow-paced and straightforward. With new instrumentalists in tow, Shearwater now decorates its tales of regret with organs, accordions and vibes; the songs are still depressing but no longer sparsely arranged.

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