It was an intimate evening at the Underground as Wilder Woods played to a capacity crowd. Wilder Woods is the new solo project from Needtobreathe’s frontman Bear Rinehart, named after his two children Wilder and Woods. His debut album is quite different than what you would normally hear from Needtobreathe and gives Bear the opportunity to explore his gentler, soulful side.
The stage set up featured a white shag rug in the center flanked by rows of light bars on the floor with a huge light up letter W in script adorning the glittery curtain at the rear of the stage. His backing band, the 420s, formed a semi-circle around the perimeter of the stage and incense was burning on top of the amplifiers to give the venue an added touch of ambiance. The room was filled with Needtobreathe fans that were excited to see and hear the music of Wilder Woods live for the first time. The band took the stage as a taped version of “There Is” by The Dells played over the loudspeakers. Finally, Bear took his place at the center microphone and started off the evening with “Light Shine In.” This was the only song that I was familiar with prior to the show so I was going into this experience with no expectations or preconceived notions of what I was about to witness. From the very first note, Rinehart took the audience on a magical, musical journey, packed with emotions that were at times bursting at the seams. His soulful vocals resonated through the venue, captivating everyone within ear’s reach. It had the feel of being at a gathering of friends, coming together as one with the music. There was a little dancing involved as Bear asked us all to step out of our comfort zone and get funky for a cover of Sly & the Family Stone’s “Dance to the Music.” Backed by the talented 420s, Rinehart took the time to chat between songs interspersing stories and giving a background on the inspiration of some of the songs. He joked that when he first told his wife he wrote a song for her, “Mary, You’re Wrong,” she was not exactly thrilled and explained his feelings of joy and instantly feeling at home in the house he purchased, the idea behind “Hillside House.” But hands down, the best and definitely the most touching moment of the night occurred toward the end of his set. Bear rushed to the back of the venue with his acoustic guitar and asked the audience to help him sing a song. The incredible tune was “Religion” and the name was fitting because regardless of your beliefs, it certainly felt like a religious moment. As fans lit up the Underground with their phones singing along, it was more than magical and something that nobody would ever forget.
What an emotional night! We danced, we sang, and some of us may have shed a tear as Wilder Woods brought a passion to the Underground that seeped into our very souls.
Set List:
Light Shine In
Feel
Someday Soon
Crazy (Gnarls Barkley cover)
Mary, You’re Wrong
Sure Ain’t
Supply and Demand
Electric Woman
Dance to the Music (Sly & the Family Stone cover)
Hillside house
Religion
What Gives you The Right
We would like to thank Kim Balen from Atlantic Records for the credentials to review the show.
