Jeffrey Lewis, a prominent figure in the anti-folk scene, delivered a surprise performance at the End of the Road Festival on Saturday afternoon, culminating his set with a unique rendition of Boyz II Men’s 1991 hit, “End of the Road.” This intimate “secret session” saw Lewis engaging with the festival’s theme in an unexpected way, adding his characteristic wit and commentary to the performance.
A Thematic Song Choice with a Twist
Lewis initially considered performing Michael Hurley’s song, also titled “The End of the Road,” which he felt would be a perfect fit for the festival’s name. However, upon discovering that fellow artists Yo La Tengo had already performed the same song on the same stage, Lewis pivoted. “So that just leaves me with this option,” he explained before launching into the R&B classic. This decision highlighted Lewis’s improvisational spirit and his awareness of other artists’ performances at the festival.
Playful Banter and Festival Nostalgia
Beyond the song choice, Lewis engaged the audience with humorous and pointed remarks. He included a spoken-word interlude within the Boyz II Men cover, directly addressing the festival organizers. “End of the Road, I love you even though you haven’t booked my band in ten years,” he quipped, adding a touch of playful chiding. “I wish you’d think of Jeffrey Lewis & the Voltage every once in a while… cos I still think of you.” This lighthearted jab referenced his last appearance at End of the Road, which was with his full band on the Woods stage, and before that, back in 2016. His comments underscored a long-standing relationship with the festival, albeit with a humorous critique of booking practices.
Jeffrey Lewis: An Anti-Folk Icon
Born in New York City, Jeffrey Lewis has carved out a significant niche in the music world with his distinctive style. His extensive discography features dozens of albums characterized by sharp, witty lyrics delivered in a plainspoken folk manner. He is widely associated with the “anti-folk” movement, a genre that emerged from the New York City music scene and includes other notable acts like The Moldy Peaches. Lewis’s music often blends social commentary, personal reflection, and absurdist humor, making him a unique voice in contemporary music.
A Diverse Setlist
The secret session setlist included a mix of new, unreleased material alongside his cover choice. Among the songs performed were “What the Living Hell is Up with Me and Sex?” and “Just Fun.” He also presented a satirical piece that reimagined a historical event, offering a revisionist take on a narrative where a bullet’s impact was altered, leading to a darkly humorous and unexpected outcome involving prominent figures. This blend of personal, political, and purely imaginative themes is typical of Lewis’s creative output.
End of the Road Festival Continues
Best Fit’s series of secret sessions at the End of the Road Festival was scheduled to continue throughout the weekend, offering attendees intimate performances from a diverse range of artists. These surprise sets have become a popular feature, providing unique musical moments away from the main stages. The festival itself is known for its eclectic lineup, drawing a dedicated following for its blend of established and emerging talent across various genres.
