Photo by PETE TROSHAK
Slowcore avatars Low arrived in Philly on Monday night to play an hour long free show to a packed store at Main Street Music in Manayunk. The event was a celebration of the eve of the release of their The Invisible Way album, produced by Wilco mastermind Jeff Tweedy. Tweedy let the band do what they do best while infusing their spare, dreamy sound with a dash of country influence resulting in one of their best albums yet. The band played almost all new songs but dipped into their back catalog to play “Dinosaur Act” at the request of a pregnant fan. Live highlights from the new album included a handclap fueled “Clarence White” and “On My Own,” which slow burns from quiet to guitar freakout . Low’s constants have always been husband and wife duo Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker, with Sparhawk handling the lion’s share of the lead vocals and guitar and Parker providing vocal support and steady heartbeat drumming. Their new album flips the script a little, bringing Parker to the forefront for more songs. The high point of the night was beautiful new song “Just Make It Stop,” a showcase for Parker’s voice that led to the loudest reaction from the crowd, a roar of approval and support for someone letting their talent shine brightly. — PETE TROSHAK