People have been skipping opening bands for as long as there have been opening bands, and if we’re being honest, they’re usually not missing much. But sometimes opening acts are worth showing up for. Field Report is one of them. (The band opens for Melissa Ferrick Sept. 16.)
The Wisconsin group is the brainchild of Chris Porterfield, who came up playing steel guitar with a band called DeYarmond Edison — a group notable for also including Justin Vernon, who went on to form Bon Iver, and members of the indie band Megafaun. When DeYarmond Edison broke up in 2006, Porterfield spent five years finding his own musical voice, writing, honing and discarding songs until he was satisfied with what he had. And what a trove it is.
Field Report’s self-titled debut, out Sept. 11 on Partisan, is a riveting collection of dusky, low-key songs that make you want to lean in so you don’t miss a note, and heave a wistful sigh when it’s over. Porterfield sings in a warm murmur, his voice blanketed by layers of guitars, keyboards, bass and drums. Although the album’s not out yet, a few songs are available on the band’s website (pay particular attention to “Alcatraz” and “I Am Not Waiting Anymore”), where you can hear an opening act that’s worth showing up early for.
[More Details] Ticket Price: $20, $30
Infinity Music Hall & Bistro 