An Evening with PJ Harvey at the Paramount
PJ Harvey was in town and fans at the Paramount Theater tonight would be in for a treat as she seldomly goes on tour. Last time Harvey played Seattle was in 2017 so there was a lot of excitement for her return at this sold-out concert. Harvey released her tenth studio album, I Inside the Old Year Dying, last year and played it at its entirety as the first act of the show. Harvey and her band took the stage at eight and played a twenty-five-song set captivating the crowd.
As Harvey walked us through her latest record we went on a journey through the seasons, with the stage becoming a canvas for varying emotions and narratives. The dynamic backdrop with its cracked wall changing colors, invited the audience for personal interpretation. Harvey was illuminated brilliantly in her white tone outfit looked like a goddess as she theatrically guided us through the songs.
As “Autumn Term” started Harvey performed the song side by side with Josh Parish who has been working with her for over 20 years now. Parish along with the other three band members took turns in instruments and moved around as needed depending on the song. They also played, “Color the Earth” without Harvey as the first act ended and the next began.
The crowd was more familiar with the second act of the show which included more of her classic hits. They quickly became more involved with each track notably during “50ft Queenie” as a few stood up not being able to contain their enthusiasm at the seated event. Harvey, was illuminated by a single light casting a dramatic shadow against the wall during her solo performance of “Desperate Kingdom of Love.” Then followed “Man-Sized” and Harvey on the electric guitar giving everyone goosebumps on the outro as the spotlight turned green and the music halted as she spoke the final words.
After a memorable performance of “Down by the River,” Harvey stopped to address the audience for the first time with a heartfelt gratitude and then an introduction of her band members. They concluded the main set with hit “To Bring You My Love,” as everyone stood up to sing along. I have never seen Harvey perform and I was genuinely so impressed and moved by her appearance tonight. There was something so beautiful in the room as she played the songs and calmly guided us through her heart.
The band returned for the encore and Harvey welcomed Alain Johaness, a past band member and collaborator she met at the Desert Sessions. Johaness stayed for both songs playing guitar and making the show even more special. Harvey ended the night with “Dollar, Dollar,” as people stood up to clap one last time and show their appreciation of all that transpired in this beautiful theater.
