Exploring the Complexities of Live at Third Man Records
A Unique Musical Collaboration
In the realm of contemporary songwriting, few collaborations resonate as profoundly as that of the duo consisting of Hartzman and Lenderman. They are two of the most distinctive songwriters and bandleaders today, synthesizing a variety of left-of-center influences such as Vic Chesnutt, Drive-By Truckers, and John Prine. Their music is characterized by skewed imagery and complex themes, with Lenderman’s sly, evasive lyrical style often employing accusatory second-person pronouns that reflect a conversation with himself. Conversely, Hartzman offers a more traditional confessional approach, typically writing in the first person and weaving intricate narratives reminiscent of Mike Cooley from Drive-By Truckers. Both artists excel at crafting phrases that balance deep emotional resonance with humor.
Setlist Analysis
Their performance at Blue Room opens with the intriguing yet brief track from 2018, “How Do You Let the Love Into the Heart That Isn’t Split Wide Open.” Clocking in at under a minute, the song serves as a meta-commentary on love songs, though in this live setting, it feels more like an awkward prelude than a defining introduction.
A Short Yet Impactful Set
As the duo assembles a setlist short enough to fit on two sides of a record, they delve into the darker recesses of their catalog, intertwining songs from both Wednesday and Lenderman. The set features two tracks from their 2021 EP, Guttering, a non-album single inspired by a Harry Crews novel, and selections from Lenderman’s solo project, Ghost of Your Guitar Solo. However, this vault-clearing approach imbues Live at Third Man Records with an unintended sense of finality that the duo may not have anticipated.
Personal Turmoil and Its Impact
Significantly, the backdrop of this live performance is tinged with emotional weight. Just six months prior, Hartzman and Lenderman had ended their six-year romantic relationship, a breakup that occurred in a bar in Kyoto. Hartzman channeled that heartache into her work with Wednesday, particularly evident in the harrowing track “That’s the Way Love Goes.” The news of their breakup surfaced during the promotional cycle for Manning Fireworks, adding an extra layer of complexity to their performance.
Unspoken Tensions on Stage
As Hartzman and Lenderman share the Blue Room stage, the freshness of their breakup looms large. This raises questions: Was it liberating to reveal their secret? Did the breakup complicate their professional dynamic? The weight of their shared history is palpable, yet their performance remains guarded. Hartzman’s comment about speaking more freely when the cameras aren’t rolling hints at a desire to shed the burden of public scrutiny, suggesting that the unrecorded set might have allowed them to connect more authentically with the audience.
Conclusion
Live at Third Man Records captures a moment fraught with emotional complexities, yet the performance itself feels constrained by the duo’s self-consciousness. While the album doesn’t need to indulge in personal drama to succeed, there’s an undeniable tension between their artistry and their personal lives. As listeners, we are left with a poignant reminder of how deeply intertwined the personal and the professional can be, particularly in the world of music.
FAQs
What influences Hartzman and Lenderman’s songwriting?
Their music draws from a variety of left-of-center influences, including artists like Vic Chesnutt, Drive-By Truckers, and John Prine, blending skewed imagery with complex themes.
What can listeners expect from the setlist in Live at Third Man Records?
The set features a mix of songs from both Wednesday and Lenderman, including tracks from their recent EP Guttering and selections from Lenderman’s solo work, creating a diverse listening experience.
How does their personal relationship affect their music?
The duo’s recent breakup adds an emotional weight to their performance, influencing the themes and delivery of their songs, though they maintain a level of guardedness during the live set.
What is the significance of the song “How Do You Let the Love Into the Heart That Isn’t Split Wide Open”?
This song serves as a meta-commentary on love songs, and in the live setting, its brief duration transforms it into an awkward introduction rather than a substantial opener.
