With the country music genre being so hot right now, it was no surprise to see Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit sell out both nights at The Salt Shed. Fresh off two Grammy wins for Best American Roots Song (“Cast Iron Skillet”) and Best Americana Album (Weathervanes), Isbell came to Chicago with plenty of momentum. But it was the fans who brought just as much enthusiasm and excitement. As someone new to the country genre, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the show. However, what I witnessed that night was a wonderful display of passion and intensity. A night to showcase a beautiful world of music I have so much to learn about.
Thanks to Jason Isbell, my newfound love for the genre comes at an interesting time.
It seems more common now for country artists to headline festivals and sell out arenas. Or maybe it’s always been this big and I’m just ignorant? After re-reading Stephen King’s The Stand, coupled with the desire for new music, and admittedly a romantic interest, I just recently became interested in the genre. I think it was the melodramatic lyrics and stripped-down nature that drew me in. It was confusing the ever-aggressive metalhead nature in me. Of course, it’s not like I ever truly hated country music, I just found it to be a really easy genre to hate on. I mean, there is a lot of really bad country music out there. Country music always had a “but.”
“I don’t like country music, but…”
Be it Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, or the twang of Bob Dylan, there were always country (and folk) songs I really enjoyed. But it wasn’t until learning about newer country artists that I’ve grown a much deeper appreciation for the genre. Not to mention understanding its intense popularity.
Going to a country show like Jason Isbell was exciting for many reasons, but I was curious to see how such an intimate genre could be played on such a grand scale.
Before this could be accomplished, alternative rock band Palehound opened the night. The four-piece group set the tone with chill yet impressive indie tunes. The group, fronted by El Kempner, has played dates with Jimmy Eat World and Boygenius just to name a few. And they’re still celebrating the release of their 2023 album Eye on the Bat. Their performance and recent massive exposure promise a pretty bright future. Considering how packed the sold-out venue was this early in the night, I wouldn’t be surprised if lots of people left impressed.
As the moments leading to Isbell’s performance crept closer, I couldn’t help but remain curious. There was a beautifully massive lighting rig giving the stage a glorious appearance. Two drum sets occupied the stage along with a stellar setup for keys. As 9:15 pm hit, the lights went down and strobe lights engulfed the stage. This is the kind of presentation I’m used to seeing at an industrial metal show or a pop show. What was I about to witness?
Opening with “Save the World,” The 400 Unit nonchalantly took the stage. The flashiest thing there was Isbell’s dope Nikes!
There’s a sense of humility in their presentation I found admirable. The people themselves did not need to be grand. Their music already was. Moving along with “King of Oklahoma,” Isbell let rip a heartfelt, powerful guitar solo that complemented the lyrics of this mesmerizing track. In these two songs, the tone was set. Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit were here to deliver true Americana.
The show had plenty of marvelous guitar solos and rocking music, but what impressed me the most was the profound sincerity in the acoustic songs. No moment in the show better showcased this than the heartbreaking performance of “Elephant.” One would think that Isbell was singing this song for the first time in the way he poured out his heart and soul. Audience members (myself included) hung onto every word, softly singing along if they could muster up the courage to do so.
With country music being the furthest thing from my particular scene, that night at The Salt Shed was like being transported to another part of the galaxy.
Songs like “Super 8” and “Honeysuckle Blue” (a Drivin’ N Cryin’ cover with guitarist Sadler Vaden on vocals) blessed us with a fun southern rock vibe. For such a big venue, every song felt close and intimate with Isbell. Even more so thanks to his banter with the crowd. Multiple times he sang his praises about Chicago, even The Salt Shed (having played there in 2022). You’d almost forget he is a star with the way he humbly addressed the crowd.
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit being my first country concert was a special experience. I’m glad to have experienced this side of music I’m not so familiar with. Country music has endless creative capabilities, and this was perfectly captured in the group’s encore. Starting with a fervent rendition of the acoustic “Cover Me Up,” things couldn’t have felt more intimate. Isbell and company chose two Weathervanes tracks to close things out: “Miles” and “This Ain’t It.” These southern rock country bangers brought this transportive experience to a close in a very epic way: lots of guitar jams and heartfelt singing. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit gave Chicago a special night to remember. Has my city gone country or is it just me?
All photos by Oscar De Leon.
