Recently my family and I took the long drive from Phoenix, AZ to Pioneertown, CA to see my favorite band: The Crane Wives. My brother and I have both been long time fans of the indie-folk band, loving both the sound and lyricism of their music. On Sept. 6 the Crane Wives released their fifth studio album, “Beyond Beyond Beyond,” the accompanying tour announced on July 12. The nearly five hour drive to see the band was worth it, becoming an experience I will never forget.
Last year I got the opportunity to see the band in concert, going to San Diego for my first viewing of the band. Despite being the same band just a year later, the “Beyond Beyond Beyond” show was a very different experience. Much of that could be attributed to the venue. The entirety of Pioneertown definitely lived up to its name; the 1800s western themed town was full of old-time architecture, initially designed as a place to film Hollywood westerns. As I got out of the car I saw an actual cowboy on a horse. It was a shocking experience, but not as shocking as turning the corner and seeing the band sitting right there. They were on their own private patio relaxing and getting ready, so I refrained from going over, but my brother and I were totally fangirling the whole time.
Despite the fun design and aesthetic of the town, it had some downsides. The town hardly qualified as one, as it was extremely small, with only two restaurants in the whole place. We ate at Pappy + Harriet’s, the venue of the concert, and even getting there quite early, had a 40 minute wait, and about another half hour until we ate after being seated. We were still able to make it to the concert on time, missing only a few songs of the opener, with plenty of time to get merch before The Crane Wives went on. However, this did put us towards the back of the audience. Due to it being a “floor only” concert, with no higher seating, it was a challenge to see, especially since I’m on the shorter side.. But my brother and I were able to work our way up somewhat closer to the stage. The venue’s rustic vibe impeded the view as well, with large beams blocking the stage at certain angles. However, I felt the Pioneertown aesthetic fit The Crane Wives’ folk vibe quite well, with the venue’s backdrop being a large mural.
The concert started off with opener Rett Madison, an alt-indie singer. I unfortunately missed her first few songs, something I did not regret until I finally entered the venue and heard her sing. The whispers of her I heard outline getting merch was nothing compared to the jaw-dropping vocals upon fully hearing her. The raw talent and vocals had me speechless. Her lyricism was powerful, affecting me greatly, especially with the queer themes I could resonate with. I was especially fond of Madison’s “One for Jackie, One for Crystal,” a traditional murder ballad, and “Pin-Up Daddy,” a song describing feelings of gender dysmorphia and fluidity.
The entire crowd, including myself, was greatly anticipating The Crane Wives after Madison’s exit. No one risked moving in fear of losing their spots, the crowd glued to their spots; even Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO” over the speakers didn’t get people moving around. Once the band came on stage there was instant cheering, even as they were just setting up their instruments. They started the night off with “Scars,” the first track off their new album, and one of my new favorite songs of the band. After getting the crowd ramped up, the band next played “Keep You Safe” off of “Coyote Stories,” their third album. The band playing this song was a huge surprise to my brother and I, as we had not seen on any of the tour’s previous setlists. It was not an unwelcome surprise though, as my brother and I are particularly fond of “Coyote Stories.” The band mixed in several songs from their previous albums, including the viral “The Moon Will Sing” and “Steady, Steady.” Personal favorites of mine “Allies or Enemies,” “Never Love an Anchor,” and, my all time favorite, “The Hand That Feeds” were also performed.
Songs off “Beyond Beyond Beyond” were not to be ignored though, with the popular “Bitter Medicine” coming third in the setlist. The Crane Wives were great at connecting with the crowd, using “Predator” as an opportunity to get everyone involved clapping. My favorite performance off the album, though, was “Arcturus Beaming,” a beautiful song about holding out hope, with a line that is the album’s namesake. I was a little disappointed that the band did not play my personal favorite off the new album, “Mad Dog.” It had been on other setlists, so my brother and I were holding out hope we’d get to hear the song live. Alas we did not get to, despite getting our hopes up as the band stated “Who’s ready to get mad,” after announcing it was their last song, playing “Tongues and Teeth” instead. I am still a huge fan of that song, and would not have minded ending off the night that way. But that was not the end, despite some belief that it was, causing many to leave.
Though I felt bad, I was quite excited people left before the encore, as it got me right up next to the stage. The band came back on after a few minutes, actually finishing the night off with “Sleeping Giants” and “Curses,” two songs that trended on social media. I was sad to go once the show ended, but the excitement I felt remained. The concert was truly beyond anything I experienced before.
