EL VY, Metro, Chicago, Illinois

The evening began with opening act Soren Juul. He used to play under the moniker Indians but returned to his using his given name when he realized that people were having a difficult time finding him online. He was good if a bit melancholy. However, I guess the latter could also be said of EL VY.

EL VY is a new side project for Matt Berninger, lead singer of the indie rock band The National, and Brent Knopf of Menomena. The new band announced a tour well before the release of their debut album or even a single. We assumed that Berninger would be singing, so made the assumption that whatever the project ended up becoming, it would be worth hearing. Frankly, I’d listen to Berninger sing the phone book; I like his voice that much. So we bought tickets, which were fairly cheap, before knowing what the band would even sound like. At the very least it would be a rare chance to see Matt Berninger perform on a small stage. Fortunately, when the album did finally drop, I enjoyed it immensely. Perhaps a contender for one of my favorite albums of the year, though I’m still not familiar with it enough such that I know every song by heart.

We arrived earlyish and secured a spot relatively close to the stage, definitely closer than anytime that I’ve seen The National. With help from a few additional supporting musicians, Berninger and Knopt played their entire debut album, Return to the Moon (2015), plus a cover, though not in order. As predicted, the highlight was Berninger’s vocal performance. I love the way his baritone voice sinks into key lyrics, just barely on the verge of a scream.

Before the song “Paul is Alive,” he explained its origins. He wrote it for his dad when he was home in Cincinnati for Christmas and realized that he forgot to get his Dad a birthday present, an event which coincides with the holiday. During the explanation, he gave a shout out to his Dad who was in the audience and looked to find them. His mom stood up and waved the attention to herself, while his Dad remained seated. This is exactly what I would have predicted based on my previous interaction with them at the Chicago Theatre. His response was “Sit down mom; this is about Dad.”

With only their album and a cover, it was a short set, and the band skipped performing any encore. Too bad we didn’t get to hear a few stripped down versions of The National songs. He did owe us some time from their delayed set at Riot Fest 2014, the last time he performed in Chicago.

Setlist:
Careless
It's a Game
Sleepin' Light
Sad Case
Happiness, Missouri
Silent Ivy Hotel
Return to the Moon (Political Song for Didi Bloome to Sing, with Crescendo)
Paul Is Alive
I'm the Man to Be
She Drives Me Crazy [Fine Young Cannibals cover]
No Time to Crank the Sun
Need a Friend