Will Butler

"Anna" / "Witness" (live on 'Meyers')

BY Gregory AdamsPublished May 14, 2015

Will Butler got all spiffed up for his Late Night with Seth Meyers performance last night (May 13). As you'll see downbelow, he slapped on a pretty crisp-looking, well-fitted tuxedo for the benefit of the TV audience, and also lead his band through a shiny, synth-heavy run-through of Policy numbers  "Anna" and "Witness."

The track's minimalism fit the low-key set design, with two analogue synth masters and a electro-organic drum kit player performing on risers just behind their leader. From centre stage, Butler delivered jittery choreography, gravelly "bah bah bahs," a couple juxtaposing yelps, and a way out-there electric piano solo that sounded groovy and ghoulish.

They gave similar treatment to "Witness," though Butler and co. dressed-down to wear sweatshirts emblazoned with their first names. The track's rollicking, '50s sockhop feel was spiked with some unruly backups and Butler's own haunted howls, while a fiery sax solo closed out the already ebullient  arrangement. You'll find both performances down below.

Butler resumes the touring schedule behind Policy next Thursday (May 21) with a performance at Vancouver's Imperial venue. You can see all of his upcoming show info here.

Tour dates:

05/21 Vancouver, BC – The Imperial Theatre *
05/23 George, WA – Sasquatch! Music Festival
05/24 Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge ^
05/26 San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall ^
05/27 Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour ^
05/29 San Diego, CA – Casbah ^
05/30 Phoenix, AZ – The Crescent Ballroom ^
06/01 Denver, CO – The Bluebird Theater ^
06/02 Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room ^
06/03 Minneapolis, MN – Cedar Cultural Center ^
06/04 Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall ^
06/05 Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall ^ (acoustic show)
09/18 Montreal, QC – Rialto Theatre (Pop Montreal)
09/20 Toronto, ON – Toronto Urban Roots Fest

* with Perfume Genius
^ with Jo Firestone
 
 

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