Big Thief @ The Anthem
Author: Amelia Kramer
The American indie folk band Big Thief performed at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., on the night of October 24, 2025, and it was a raw, authentic, and beautiful experience. Comprised of the original members—Buck Meek (guitarist), James Krivchenia (drummer), the wonderful and talented Adrianne Lenker—and a new, talented bassist, the band took the stage and delivered an unforgettable show.
From the very beginning, I was blown away by the opening band, Lomelda, who filled the venue with their bewitching, harmonic symphony of several instrumentalists and one very powerful voice. This band had a familiar sound and impact similar to Big Thief, but it was also something new, original, and unique for us all to experience. This introduction and lead-up to the main act were one of a kind and genuinely sincere.
When Big Thief started the show, fans were in awe—and so was I. Hearing the comforting and familiar voice of Lenker, seeing the band’s chemistry, and listening to songs I adore being performed right in front of me was such a privilege. The whole audience felt like a community, sharing the love of Big Thief’s music that we’ve cherished as far back as 2015. With the release of their new album, Double Infinity, just over a month ago, Big Thief shared their new and updated sound as a trio with us all for the first time. This fresh, experimental, rustic, and unique tone invited fans into the world of the musicians on another level. “Incomprehensible,” one of my favorites off this album, had us all singing and swaying together.
I have been a fan of Adrianne Lenker since her solo album songs came out in 2020. As a big listener of both her and Big Thief, I was fascinated to hear and see their performance as one. The concert consisted of songs from throughout the years of the band’s discography. Hearing how their sound has evolved and the new steps they’re taking in their music-making was wonderful to witness. One of my favorites, “Vampire Empire,” was performed that night, and it was such a fun experience being able to exclaim those lyrics with hundreds of others around me doing the same.
It was seriously so cool seeing how talented this band is. At one point, there was about a ten-minute improvisational section by the band that kept our attention the entire time because of how musically inclined each member is. In addition to their talent, the band is incredibly versatile. They can switch from fast, hard rock to slower, melancholic folk, which was amazing to see and shows how dynamic the band truly is. The power in the room from their performance was undeniable—it made me realize how much music really unites us all.
Throughout the evening, the band made us feel special and connected, acknowledging our presence and reminding us that they are humans just like all of us. Whatever we are going through, we are all experiencing our one life together in that present moment, sharing it through our love of music. As Lenker said during the show, “Every single choice we’ve made has brought us to this one point in time together.”
One of Big Thief’s final songs of the performance was another one of my favorites, “Paul.” The venue was lit up with the audience’s phone flashlights as that enchanting melody echoed around us. Though this song was one of their older ones, I loved that they paid homage to the band they once were and how they’ve grown to become the band they are now.
I had such an unforgettable experience at this concert. Big Thief’s stage presence never falters, and their talent has and will continue to endure for years to come. I recommend that anyone who appreciates music go to a Big Thief show and witness true musical chemistry, love, and passion for themselves. You can really tell that the members love performing and sharing their songs with the world. I truly appreciate having had this opportunity and will never forget it. Thank you, Big Thief, for a wonderful night!
Photographer: Sanya Wason
