A Night of “Zen”

On a damp Saturday night at Blossom Music Center, The National had a bit of a homecoming. As Cincinnati natives, it’s always really special when they come and play anywhere in the Buckeye State. What’s even better is when the band recognizes this fact. (Would it kill The Black Keys to acknowledge that they once were from here?! They used to start every show with a nod to Akron!) The Zen Diagram tour features The National, The War on Drugs, and Lucius. It was a night of Zen and collaboration!

Lucius is a unique and original band that kicked off the night. Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, both dawned in black; are both lead singers, piano players, and cowbellists (is that a word?) extraordinaires. The fourpiece won over an audience who perhaps wasn’t as familiar with them beforehand but would indeed check them out when they got home.”

Up next was The War on Drugs. Adam Granduciel‘s band of talented musicians was the perfect act to preface The National. They started off their set with “Oceans of Darkness, from the band’s latest album, ‘I Don’t Live Here Anymore.‘ (10.29.21; Atlantic Records). Granduciel’s reverb-heavy guitars were melodic and jammy. Add that to the driving beats on the drums; it’s hard not to sway back and forth the entire set.

Their stage was lit specifically for them. Without sharing the stage lighting with any of the other bands, The War on Drugs was able to set their own mood the whole show. Stage-level linear lights really gave the band an intimate feel while taking over the front half of the Blossom Music Center stage.

Some notable songs by the band were “I Don’t Wanna Wait” and “ Under The Pressure.” These are songs that, if a concertgoer might not think they are familiar with The War on Drugs, would say, “Oh, I know this song!” Granduciel’s songs are written to take their time to simmer and work their way into one’s heart and soul. While typically uptempo, the band never seems rushed. One of the most exciting moments was when the frontman asked Jess and Holly of Lucius to come back out on stage. The ladies joined them to perform on “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” (they are also featured on the song on the studio version). It was one hell of a set!

To cap off the night, the headliner of the evening was The National. The band walked out on stage as casually as possible, especially lead singer Matt Berninger, who walked out holding his 200-foot microphone cable and came immediately to the front edge of the stage. Jumping right into “Once Upon a Poolside,” the guys came together like professionals. Sandwiching Berninger were Bryce and Aaron Dessner, who I’m not even sure if their frontman could tell who was who. It’s hard to tell identical twins apart that are also both so damn talented on both the guitar and piano. The brothers, coupled with Berninger’s signature baritone voice, had the Cuyahoga Falls audience on their feet for the rest of the night.

The National’s stage was fascinating and included strategically placed square lights on movers. It had an eerie ambiance throughout. Adding the constant smoke machines and complete screen backdrop, there was no shortage of things to be in awe of the whole night. The band is quite unique. Someone will be playing the piano, and if you look away for 10 seconds, the next thing you know, the same musician is playing the trombone. Concertgoers didn’t even know the song needed a trombone until that moment, and as always, the band was spot on. Between baritone sax and the occasional trumpet and piano players, there was no shortage of talent on the stage.

There were fan favorites like “Bloodbuzz Ohio,” which the audience couldn’t wait to hear (again, us Ohioians are simple enough that at the slightest mention of Ohio or even just an “O-H,” and we cheer for hours). One of the best reasons to go on tour with artists the band respects is the opportunity to collaborate on stage night after night. About halfway through The National’s set, Adam Granduciel from The War On Drugs came out with his Gibson Les Paul to join the band. They played a cover of “Bring On the Dancing Horses,” by Echo & the Bunnymen. If that wasn’t enough, the collaborations weren’t over; a few songs later, the Lucius ladies returned for a third appearnce to perform “Rylan.”

The Zen Diagram Tour was a night of amazing music, talent, and collaboration. It was such a beautiful treat for those who love any one of these bands. The talent up on that stage was impressive on any level. It was a night that will be remembered for years to come.