I simply love the 2005 EP “In the Reins”—so much so that I would even deem it among my favorite releases from both Calexico and Iron & Wine—and with their combined body of work, that’s saying quite a lot.
“In the Reins” was the first joint calibration between Calexico and Iron & Wine and is revered by musicians and beloved by their fans. Rein’s soothing and rhythmic grooves are stunning, yet subtle, and its songwriting is extraordinarily delicate. The title track alone, “He Lays In the Reins,” is a song that feels like a warm bed on a cold, rainy day as its calm verses wash over.
Samuel Beam better known by his stage name, Iron & Wine wrote all the songs for the EP and cut it with Calexico’s Joey Burns and John Convertino in a studio in Tucson, Arizona. This current tour led them to DC’s Anthem last Friday night for an unforgettable set by two bands who seem destined to perform together. The venue seemed to come alive for Friday’s show as the mood was truly electric—especially for a seated show. “In the Reins” is available on black vinyl from Subpop Records.
To open the evening, Philadelphia’s Frances Quinlan performed a lovely set with just her and an electric guitar. Quinlan is the front woman for the band Hop Along, and is currently on tour to promote her solo album, Likewise. Her performance was quite stunning, highlighting her strong, melodic vocals and unique chord changes. I certainly can’t wait to hear more from her in the future.
FRANCES QUINLAN
CALEXICO AND IRON & WINE SETLIST:
Follow the Water
He Lays in the Reins
Father Mountain
Red Dust
I Lost It (Lucinda Williams cover)
Sunken Waltz
Boy With a Coin
In Your Own Time
Flores y Tamales
Makes as We Come
Crystal Frontier
On the Road Again (Willie Nelson cover)
The Bitter Suite
Bring on the Dancing Horses (Echo & the Bunnymen cover)
Midnight Sun
Sixteen, Maybe Less
Glimpse
History of Lovers
Burn That Broken Bed
