Buck Meek, best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of Grammy-nominated indie folk band Big Thief, brought his solo tour to Bowery Ballroom this past Wednesday, filling the iconic 575-capacity venue for a night that felt both intimate and effortlessly warm. At most concerts, the time between sets is filled with conversations and glowing phone screens. Audience members sketched in notebooks, read books, or quietly chatted while they waited for the music to begin.
The crowd spanned every age, though I couldn’t help but notice an impressive number of mustaches scattered throughout the room. It was a relaxed, attentive audience, and I honestly can’t remember the last time I was at Bowery Ballroom, but after a night like this, I certainly won’t forget my return anytime soon.
The night opened with Kisser, the duo of Buck Meek and Germaine Dunes, though the spotlight largely belonged to Dunes throughout the set. Her airy, almost childlike voice floated over a blend of country, folk, and funk-inflected indie rock, giving songs like “Ghost Girl,” “Bad Boy Mountain,” and “Nightmare” an easygoing charm. The band regularly shifted from gentle, stripped-back moments into heavier guitar-driven sections, keeping the set engaging throughout. Dunes’ stage presence was magnetic, making Kisser feel like much more than an opening act.
Buck Meek wasted no time getting started, opening with “Gasoline” before moving through fan favorites including “God Knows Why,” “Demon,” and the tender “Joe by the Book.” Dressed in a classic “I ❤️ NY” T-shirt, Meek got an early laugh when someone in the audience yelled, “I like your shirt!” Touring behind The Mirror and Haunted Mountain, Meek reminded the crowd why he’s become such a respected songwriter, delivering understated performances that let the songs take center stage.
A performance of Big Thief’s “Certainty” earned one of the night’s biggest reactions, while the chemistry between Meek and his band was evident throughout, especially during several standout guitar solos. A cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” fit seamlessly into the set before Meek closed the main performance with “Haunted Mountain” and returned for an encore of “Halo Light” and “Kiss My Mirror.” In a city full of concerts competing for your attention, Buck Meek proved that sometimes the best shows are the ones that simply trust the music to do the work.
The first leg of Buck Meek’s tour concludes next week in Austin before picking back up in Seattle this December.
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