Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit brought a predictably great show to the downtown Strutting Duck Friday night. The guys looked and sounded relaxed, playing in a familiar environment to an always responsive crowd of largely die-hard fans, calling out songs to play, singing along to crowd favorites (which seem largely dominated by his contributions to the Drive-By Truckers during his stay as their third guitarist and songwriter).

Friday night saw a noted lack of quiet songs, even his most down tempo numbers such as “Sidewalk,” and “G**damn Lonely Love” were played fast, hard and loud. Opening with “Soldier Gets Strange” should’ve been an indication that Isbell and the 400 Unit felt like blowing out a speaker or two this stop in Auburn, and to that end they succeeded admirably.

I would've liked to have heard a couple of more down tempo numbers, but I appreciate the change of pace. The band has never sounded so intense and loud, and I’m not sure what brought the extra energy out in them, but it worked. Even when they try new things onstage, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit do not disappoint.

For more on the band, visit jasonisbell.com.

AUDIENCE REACTION:


"Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit bring the ruckus every time they come to town!" - Jake Vernon


"He has great songs and great energy." - Stephanie Benton


"I am excited about Jason Isbell!" - Chandler White