On October 25, 2024, The The landed in Chicago as part of their Ensouled World Tour, marking a highly anticipated return for fans at The Salt Shed. This wasn’t just any tour stop—it celebrated Ensoulment, the band’s first new album since 2000’s NakedSelf, and one that showcases Matt Johnson’s timeless artistry with a fresh yet familiar punch. For longtime fans, it was more than a concert; it was a reflection on themes that Johnson has long explored and a homecoming to a sound that’s distinctively The The.
The evening kicked off with Ensoulment performed in its entirety, a bold move that proved Johnson’s confidence in the album's weight. The first set was a journey through the new material, and for fans, it felt like entering uncharted territory. The lead single, “Cognitive Dissident,” offered a glimpse of the album’s introspective and politically charged themes, confronting issues both current and timeless. Johnson’s lyrics cut to the bone, offering the sharp societal critique and philosophical musings he’s known for. Collaborations with longtime bandmates—James Eller on bass, DC Collard on keyboards, Earl Harvin on drums, and guitarist Barrie Cadogan—enriched the sound, while co-producer and engineer Warne Livesey helped sculpt the album’s atmosphere, making it feel both immersive and urgent.
Set two provided a retrospective of classic The The tunes, giving fans the nostalgia fix they’d come for. From deep cuts to some of the band’s most well-known anthems, Johnson’s vocal intensity and emotive storytelling brought each track alive, bridging the past with the present. The Salt Shed’s acoustics amplified every beat, each lyric reverberating through the space, reminding everyone why The The has remained influential for decades.
Overall, The The’s stop in Chicago felt like more than a concert; it was a reunion with a beloved voice of conscience in music—a reminder of the powerful role music can play in articulating the complexities of the human experience. For those lucky enough to attend, it was a night of introspection, energy, and the timeless allure of one of the most thought-provoking bands of our time.
Photos and review by Steve Sym. Photos from The The performance at The Salt Shed in Chicago on 10/25/24
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