Gregory Alan Isakov @ The metro
a shared journey of emotion, nostalgia, and connection
Review & Photos by Naomi Zaki
As a devoted Gregory Alan Isakov fan since my moody teenage years, I’ve been missing and meeting him across the globe since 2022 (missed his London concert while I was there, met him in the carpark of my LA hotel where he performed later that evening). But photographing this concert at the Metro Theatre - in my own city - was nothing short of a transcendent experience.
Despite the cacophony of Friday night shenanigans outside the theatre, inside we were shrouded in a muffled hush and comforting dimness. Then, the ethereal opening of the show, the arpeggiated progression of “The Fall” coaxing us into a melancholic yet comforting realm of Western Americana.
From the moment Isakov's grounding voice filled the venue, supported by the accompaniment of the 5 piece band, a palpable sense of nostalgia washed over the crowd. Each haunting melody seemed to evoke memories of dusty desert roads and starlit nights, transporting us to an ethereal realm where time stood still.
But between these theatrical, achingly beautiful moments, we caught glimpses of reality: moments of laughter and lighthearted banter further endeared the band to the crowd, creating a sense of connection that transcended the confines of the stage. Isakov murmuring that he’s finally “learning your language, you bogans”, said bogans hooting back in warm camaraderie while the band laughed. Their interactions - filled with mid-song smirks and off-mic quips - not only added to the intimate atmosphere, but also reminded us that we were witnessing a group of talented musicians who were living out their dreams together.
Isakov and his band effortlessly navigated through their setlist, with recently viral songs “Big Black Car” and “San Louis” evoking the crowd to join in. Through the seamlessly blending folk, Americana, and indie influences, it became evident that their musical prowess was matched only by their humility and authenticity. Whether it was a tender ballad or an uptempo foot-stomper, each song was delivered with precision and passion, captivating the audience from start to finish.
As the final notes of “Caves” faded into the night, band and crowd waving their arms and “singing back til it gets awkward” *insert a ripple of laughter*, it was clear that Gregory Alan Isakov's show was more than just a performance—it was a shared journey of emotion, nostalgia, and connection that would linger long after they “put all these words away”.
