Loud, Proud And An Interesting Crowd; The Black Crowes Played Bangor, Maine This Week

Like many in attendance during Tuesday night's concert at the Maine Savings Amphitheater, I've been a Black Crowes fan since they exploded onto the scene following their formation in the 1980s. The dynamics and musicianship of the Robinson brothers have always been interesting to watch. On the one hand, you have the over-the-top, flamboyant frontman charisma of older brother Chris Robinson, who is free and unpredictable. Then, on the other hand, you have the much more subdued and controlled guitar stylings of younger brother Rich, who complements his brother's brilliant bohemian vibe with skill.

It's that brotherly dichotomy that has been front and center in the band for decades and has contributed to 10 albums' worth of work. It's also the thing that would ultimately lead to the band's breakup for a period of time. Thankfully, that bond brought them back together and allowed them to mend fences, both personally and professionally, resulting in a band reunion in 2019.

According to the band themselves, when they reunited, they wanted to create something to mark the occasion, so they made a new album they released in 2024,  and added a few new faces. Then this spring, they were nominated for the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. So to say they've been busy these last few years would be an understatement.

"Since The Black Crowes reunited in 2019, they’ve made a triumphant return to form with over 150 shows spanning 20 countries worldwide, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Shake Your Money Maker, the album that put them on the map. Upon their return from the road, they knew they needed something new to show for their lost time. The Robinson Brothers and longtime bassist Sven Pipien headed to the studio with producer Jay Joyce in early 2023, and the experiences of years past transcribed themself through the music as the band found their way back to their roots."

With the release of last year's first new album, Happiness Bastards, a return to that awesome Black Crowes sound we all know and love, it's that brotherly relationship I was hoping to see played out, along with the music, on the stage of the Maine Savings Amphitheater Tuesday night. While there were moments of that magic on display, the spotlight seemed, quite literally, to be on someone else for a great deal of time during the show. More on that in a moment.

Opening for the band was an energetic rock group from North Carolina called High June.

According to their frontman, Tim Brennan, the band was happy to be visiting in Maine, but even happier to be opening up for the Black Crowes! After a handful of roaring rock tunes, High June's set came to an end, and anticipation for the headliner grew.

At exactly 8:30, the newest iteration of the Black Crowes took to the stage with a rousing rendition of "Bedside Manners" to start the show.

Comprised of original members Chris and Rich Robinson on vocals and guitar, Sven Pipien on bass, the band has since added Eric Deutsch from Washington, D.C.  (in 2022) on keys, Cully Symington from Texas (since 2023) on drums, and Argentinian born Nico Bereciartua on guitar (also 2023) to round out their massive sound. 

Chris Robinson came out swinging, proving he hasn't skipped a beat, with his swagger and vocal cords still intact. He was undeniably himself as he belted out a collection of both old favorites and newer hits, taking a page from the Steven Tyler school of rock-dance moves, flitting across the stage, playing to the crowd dressed in magenta velour pants and a leopard print shirt, barely buttoned; the epitome of a rock star if there ever was one. 

Conversely, his brother, in an understated white shirt, spent the majority of the concert (except for the one song he sang, "The Magpie Salute cover") blending physically into the background while letting his guitar licks do the talking for him.

The rest of the band, with the exception of the bedazzled backup singers who were awesome, also spent their time in the literal shadows, with the bassist's face never seeming to step into the light at all.

New addition, Nico Bereciartua, however, seemed a favorite of both the people working the camera and the ones manning the soundboards, as most of the evening's shots were of him, and his instrument and vocals seemed to come in louder and clearer than any other band members. It seemed a little odd, but Rich Robinson seemed to regain some ground in a guitar battle of sorts that was featured in the middle of "Wiser Time," where Bereciartua and Robinson went back and forth, showing off their string strumming style. 

For the most part, the crowd was pretty subdued. They did react very well to fan-favorites "She Talks to Angels," "Jealous Again," and "Remedy."

From my vantage point, there was a pair of fans, having enjoyed some extracurricular adult concoctions, who participated in some of the most aggressive dance routines I've ever seen (and never expected) performed to Black Crowes songs.

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Overall, fans seemed to have a great time. The band performed just under 20 songs, including an encore of "Rocks Off" and an old Calvin Carter/Pookie Hudson song, "Goodnight Sweetheart."

The Black Crowes continue on to Vermont, New York, and Canada in the coming days.