By Matthew Robbins
The 930 Art Center | Sept. 17, 2009
My friends and I filed into the 930 Art Center in Louisville’s Sojourn Church, chatting about how Derek Webb would pull off a concert supporting his new album, Stockholm Syndrome. Filled with electronic beats and synthesized sounds, the album is very different from much of Derek’s earlier work, which tended to be more acoustic-based. How would he handle mixing songs from the new album with old stuff? How would he replicate the sound of Stockholm Syndrome live? Like so many others there (most of whom were much younger), we were excited to have these questions answered.
First, though, we were treated to Sandra McCracken, who continues to be one of the most underappreciated voices in Christian music. To hear such a powerful and beautiful sound project from a tiny, delicately-voiced woman is nothing short of amazing. She belted out stellar songs like “Thy Mercy,” “The Tie That Binds,” and “Halfway,” among others, even utilizing some programmed beats of her own, care of Josh Moore (former Caedmon’s Call member who produced Webb’s album). McCracken was an excellent opener again, and made me wonder again why I don’t own more of her albums (with I shall have to remedy).
After a short break, it was Webb’s turn, and it was quickly apparent that we were in for a rock show. In such an enclosed space, when Josh Moore dropped the programmed baseline for “Black Eye,” we felt it. When the drummer came in halfway through the song with the live drums, we experienced it. For the next 25 minutes or so, Derek and his mates played beefed-up versions of songs from Stockholm Syndrome, displaying a little rust and uncertainty at times (this was the first date of the tour), but also showing their professionalism by quickly finding their rhythm. The inclusion of a live drummer was fantastic as it was layered over the programmed sounds and really got the place moving. Also, Josh Moore is incredible. He played seemingly every instrument throughout the show and seems to really be the engine that runs the whole show.
Halfway through, Moore and the drummer left Webb alone on-stage with his acoustic guitar. Webb proceeded to ask for requests, and did his best to accommodate amongst the yells for numerous different songs. He played “Lover,” “I Want A Broken Heart,” “Savior On Capitol Hill,” “Wedding Dress,” and “Reputation.” I loved this part, and I think it was genius to split up the show this way, appeasing fans that would not have gone home happy without hearing “Wedding Dress.”
The other members returned, and they played the rest of Stockholm Syndrome, leaving out no song. Fans of the album will no doubt enjoy hearing all of these live, but I think it’s pretty ballsy to play an entire 14-track album live. I don’t love every song off the album, but I didn’t find myself bored by their inclusion, either. My only real criticism is that Derek spoke very little between songs and didn’t explain any of them. With so much surrounding the album, I would have loved to hear where he was coming from on some of them.
Overall, I came away very satisfied with my decision to make the two-hour drive to Louisville for the show. Derek’s music is entertaining and challenging. So are his words, which are intended to spur actions, as is his inclusion of people from Blood-Water Mission on the tour, as they try to raise money to provide clean water to people in Africa. For all the controversy surrounding this man and his new album, the bottom line is this: he makes interesting music and knows how to entertain while at the same time maintaining a social conscience. I’m not a Webb fan-boy who thinks Stockholm Syndrome is the greatest album of all-time, but I enjoyed it, and I definitely enjoyed the live show to support it.
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Matthew is a follower of Christ, husband to Leah, and father to Seth as well as Baby Robbins 2 due in March. He works for a business consulting company in Cincinnati, OH, blogs at Chosen For Grace, and has an unhealthy obsession with books (mostly theology ones) and Atlanta Braves baseball.
Rethink Mission is about the intersection of the gospel, the church and culture. Weekly, we feature reviews and other interactions with artistic expressions of the culture around us.
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good review, I need to buy some Derk Webbb…
A bud and I just went and saw him here in DC last Sunday night (he played two nights in a row here) and it was one of the best live shows I’ve seen. Just as you mention, we were so extremely curious to see what this show would be like, in a way that I’ve never been going to see him before. You knew you might get a backing band, or it might be Derek Webb solo, but it was going to sound expected. This was anything but.
Even though they had some tech difficulties with Josh Moore’s gear that delayed things, it was outstanding start to finish. They played the first half of the album, then took requests for solo acoustic songs (played Somewhere North, which is one of my faves) and then played the second half of the record. As much as I like everything he’s recorded, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way, to hear the entire record start to finish.
The vibe was unmistakably cool, almost hip-hop at times, and we weren’t the only once almost flat out dancing the whole time. (Oh, and the lights were fantastic).
Reminded me a lot of seeing Kenna here awhile back. Who if you don’t know, you should go and use the google right now.
It’s a great album, and even better live. I hope he continues down whatever rabbit hole he fell into with this record.
Steve, I agree about the hip-hop feel. The combined effect of the programmed beats and live drummer had the place rocking. Unfortunately, the crowd at the show we were at was pretty tame. Everyone stayed seated and pretty low-key.
I agree about the new album, too. My wife introduced me to Derek back at We Must and Shall Go Free. She doesn’t like the new stuff, and I’m sure there are plenty in that camp. But I love where he’s gone, lyrically and musically.
Really good review. I agree that it would be wonderful if he would discuss the music more. I think Webb is one of top artist in America especially in the Christian sub-genre.
He has been a lightning rod since his bold assertions of our own self-righteousness in need of Christ atonement. Would love to meet him someday on this side of heaven.
Thanks for the review.