Reignwolf | 10.12.18 | Antone’s
The first time I ever had my face melted off by Reignwolf (or also known as Jordan Cook) was five years ago at another ACL Late Night show, opening for The Bright Light Social Hour. It’s been a long few years awaiting an album, and I think it’s quite a testament to Cook’s musicianship that he has amassed such a following on the festival circuit over the years, despite not having released an album. If you ever get the chance to see this guy perform, you’ll understand precisely why.
I showed up before the opening band Arkells took the stage and I was pleasantly surprised with how easily they commanded the audience. Their stage presence and confidence is something I’ve seen lacking from bands that play much bigger stages… it’s not something that not every band has, but I guess when you’ve been a band for about a decade, it comes with the territory. I decided to cut my losses over my increasing frustration with the minimalist lighting… I first started photographing shows in the worst lighting conditions and without photo pits and I realized very quickly how spoiled I’d gotten over these last few years; but that meant I had more time to enjoy their set.
Upon waiting for Reignwolf to take the stage, I thought about just how long it had been since I’d seen this guy perform and it made me so nostalgic. It’s been years since I’d first seen him in 2013 opening for a local band at Emo’s. I saw him play at Continental Club, and remember getting to chat with him and the bassist at the time for a while. I remember seeing him play at a sold out show inside Stubb’s a few months after that. It was crazy to see Cook again, years later, and knowing just how much has changed over those years, but also reflecting on what’s been constant. Reignwolf, especially live, is nothing short of fantastic. I wish there was more I could say about it, but honestly, it’s incredible to witness just how much talent is contained in this one man. I respect that he’s brought on other musicians to fill out his live sound, but I’ve seen this guy sing, play guitar and bang a drum at the same time before. Long story short, it’s probably going to be another few years until I get to see Cook again and I’m skeptical about a record from him… but, if you get the chance to see Reignwolf live, absolutely do it. There’s not many people like him.
