The indie band Real Estate performed for a packed audience at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, New York, on October 1. The show was the first East Coast date on their tour celebrating the anniversary of their acclaimed 2014 album, Atlas.
During the performance, the band played the album in its entirety, marking a special occasion for long-time fans. The concert also featured the introduction of new guitarist James Richardson, following the departure of Julian Lynch.
Key Takeaways
- Real Estate performed their third studio album, Atlas, in its entirety at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY, on October 1.
- The event was part of a 12-stop tour celebrating the album's anniversary, specifically noting it has been 11 years and seven months since its release.
- The band introduced new guitarist James Richardson, who has taken over duties from former member Julian Lynch.
- The setlist also included classic songs and a three-song encore, featuring tracks like "Pink Sky" and "Darling."
Anniversary Celebration in a Historic Venue
Real Estate's fall tour serves a dual purpose: it honors a significant album from their past while simultaneously signaling a new chapter for the band. The choice of the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock provided a fittingly historic backdrop for the first East Coast stop on this commemorative tour.
The tour is uniquely framed as an "11-year-and-seven-month anniversary" for Atlas, offering a quirky and specific reason for the celebration. This tour gives fans a rare opportunity to hear the album performed live from start to finish, a format that many artists reserve for landmark records.
The Legacy of 'Atlas'
Released in March 2014, Atlas is Real Estate's third studio album. It was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its refined songwriting and wistful, melodic guitar work. The album includes some of the band's most recognized tracks, such as "Talking Backwards" and "Crime," and is often cited as a high point in their discography.
The Woodstock show kicked off with a performance by opening act Trace Mountains, setting the stage for an evening focused on intricate indie rock. The main event saw Real Estate deliver a performance that balanced nostalgia with fresh energy.
A New Era for the Band's Lineup
A significant aspect of this tour is the change in the band's personnel. Fans are seeing a new lineup on stage following the recent departure of Julian Lynch, who had been a key member and guitarist for several years. His intricate guitar interplay was a hallmark of the band's sound on recent albums.
Stepping into this role is newcomer James Richardson. The Woodstock performance was an early opportunity for audiences on the East Coast to see Richardson integrate with the band's established dynamic. His performance on both the Atlas material and other catalog staples was a central point of interest for attendees.
Lineup changes can often redefine a band's live sound. For Real Estate, whose music is heavily reliant on the chemistry between its guitarists, this transition is particularly noteworthy. The tour serves as a live introduction to this new formation.
A Comprehensive Setlist from Start to Finish
The core of the evening was the complete, sequential performance of the Atlas album. The band played through all ten tracks, beginning with "Had To Hear" and concluding the main set with the album's instrumental closer, "Navigator."
The Full 'Atlas' Experience
Performing an album in its original track order allows the audience to experience the musical and thematic arc as it was first intended. For many, this was the first time hearing deeper cuts from the album played live.
- "Had To Hear"
- "Past Lives"
- "Talking Backwards"
- "April's Song"
- "The Bend"
- "Crime"
- "Primitive"
- "How Might I Live"
- "Horizon"
- "Navigator"
In addition to the full album playthrough, Real Estate included other essential songs from their catalog. Tracks like "Water Underground" and "Municipality" were woven into the set, ensuring the performance catered to fans of their entire body of work.
Performance Details
Venue: Bearsville Theater, Woodstock, N.Y.
Date: October 1
Main Set Feature: Full performance of the album Atlas.
Encore: "Pink Sky," "Suffern," and "Darling."
After finishing "Navigator" to close out the main portion of the show, the band returned to the stage for a generous three-song encore. They performed "Pink Sky," "Suffern," and "Darling," providing a final showcase of their signature melodic and relaxed sound.
Looking Ahead on the Anniversary Tour
The Woodstock show was just the beginning of the East Coast leg of this special tour. The band is scheduled to play a total of 12 stops, with the run continuing through October 11. Fans interested in attending upcoming dates can find more information and ticket details on the band's official website.
This tour represents a pivotal moment for Real Estate. It allows them to pay tribute to a career-defining album while also looking forward with a new member. The blend of past and present offers a compelling live experience that celebrates the band's evolution over more than a decade.
