Concert Review: Tyler Childers at Climate Pledge Arena
It was clear from the explosive crescendo of “Honky Tonk Flame” that Tyler Childers was in a captivating groove during his Seattle show—a performance that fans will remember for a long time. Engaging the audience with an eight-minute comedic monologue about hypothetical rabies infections, Childers showcased his wild side right from the start.
The Kentucky-born artist and his seven-piece band ignited the night with energetic tracks like “Rustin’ in the Rain,” then pulled back the tempo for the heartfelt “All Your’n.” This intimate moment contrasted sharply with the quirky “Down Under,” a humorous take on koalas, highlighting Childers’ diverse style.
After a seven-year absence from Seattle, Childers arrived at a creatively provocative juncture in his career. Known for his disregard of industry norms, he’s unafraid to drop fan favorites or embrace controversial subjects in his music. His newest album, “Snipe Hunter,” produced by Rick Rubin, has stirred considerable buzz, blending genres from country-funk to swamp rock and psychedelia.
Despite mixed reactions from long-time fans, “Snipe Hunter” received critical acclaim, with the playful “Bitin’ List” earning Childers his first Grammy for best country song. The live rendition was just as lively as the album version, amplified by Childers’ charismatic stage presence.
The setlist—spanning over two hours—proved dynamic, incorporating fresh tracks alongside beloved hits from previous albums like “Purgatory” and “Country Squire.” Songs like “Whitehouse Road” and “House Fire” thrilled the crowd during the closing moments, proving the staying power of his earlier work.
While some fans noted that the songwriting in “Snipe Hunter” may lack the emotional heft of earlier pieces, the album also offered gems like “Nose on the Grindstone.” This poignant song, performed solo on a satellite stage, drew the crowd into moments of silence as Childers wrestled with themes of addiction and family legacy.
As he sang, “Keep your nose on the grindstone and out of the pills,” Childers delivered an evocative reminder of the struggles faced in his Appalachian roots. A concert filled with fervor, humor, and raw emotion capped off in a blend of music that felt both familiar and refreshingly new.
Setlist Highlights
- “Eatin’ Big Time”
- “Shake the Frost”
- “Down Under”
- “Rustin’ in the Rain”
- “All Your’n”
- “Whitehouse Road”
- “House Fire”
- “Snipe Hunt”
