The Folk Implosion

How the fuck are we going to turn this into a song? Thats the question Lou Barlow and John Davis have asked themselves since co-founding the Folk Implosion in the early 1990s. Beginning with improvised jams featuring Barlow on bass and Davis on drums, the duo develop their beat-driven pop collages from the ground up. Its the process they used on their debut cassette, Walk Through This World with the Folk Implosion, and one theyve returned to 30 years later on their spellbinding, self-referencing reunion, Walk Thru Me.

Collaboration and Creative Process

Separated from their homes in Massachusetts and North Carolina, Barlow and Davis collaborated remotely, flashing back to their early friendship as penpals. A sweaty bass and drums session went down in Barlow's attic, before they booked studio time with producer Scott Salter (St. Vincent, Spoon, The Mountain Goats). Contrasts and comparisons are the keys to unlocking Walk Thru Me, and the Folk Implosion as a whole.

Distinct Approaches to Songwriting

Beyond the audible differences between Barlow's soft voice and Davis's urgent, reedy proclamations, their approaches to songwriting are strikingly distinct. While Barlow approached his lyrics from a protective paternal perspective (My Little Lamb), Davis paid tribute to his late father, shining a light on their complicated relationship (The Day You Died). Finally, Davis's Persian music studies in weekly Zoom lessons inspired him to integrate traditional Middle Eastern instruments such as the setar, oud, saz, and tombak. Because we're so separate, part of this album is me desperately trying to telepathically communicate to John and Scott, who are 700 miles away from me, Barlow concludes. A big part of what I consider to be the Folk Implosion is taking disparate things and turning them into pop.

Event Details

This event is 21 and over. Any ticket holder unable to present valid identification indicating that they are at least 21 years of age will not be admitted to this event, and will not be eligible for a refund. Please see the venue's website for their current COVID policy.

Ticket Information

This ticket is for admission to a live music venue. It provides the holder to observe a musical performance and nothing else. Other goods and services may be purchased once inside the venue. Please note, seating is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.