The Basement is the kind of venue where storytelling and music seem to meet in their purest form. Tucked right below Grimey’s music store, the venue features hanging lights, neon beer signs and hundreds of flyers of previous performers. On April 3, Palmyra made the space their very own — performing a set centered around their new album “Restless.”
The intimacy of the venue and the close-knit atmosphere among the crowd is what made the evening so special for me. The instant I entered The Basement, it seemed like nobody was a stranger, and there seemed to be a collective sense of pride and joy about Nashville’s music scene. Before the opener, everyone was talking among themselves, and some people even began sharing songs and other artists they liked. I would even argue there was a palpable sense of community in that space that simply can not be achieved in a larger concert environment.
The folk trio consisting of Mānoa Bell, Teddy Chipouras and Sasha Landon hail from Virginia but carry a sound that is reminiscent of the Appalachian south. Palmyra blends bluegrass with profound lyricism about difficulties faced in life. Their songs feature insight into personal struggles, yet each song feels relatable. The band’s set began on the softer side, and, as each song blended from one to the next, the energy heightened and the crowd became integrated into the music.
During their performance of “Dishes,” the energy among the crowd peaked as it shouted in unison in response to Landon’s lyrics. Beyond their distinct lyricism, the trio fosters a beautiful blend of the banjo, guitar, bass and drums — showcasing their impressive musicianship.The group’s performance of songs from “Restless” continued to evolve, shifting the energy from somber tones to more upbeat ones. The band’s transitions flowed seamlessly, and they often took time to interact with the crowd, delivering jokes and sharing the backstories behind their music.
One of these stories transitioned the concert toward a touching performance of the song “Buffalo,” which was revealed to have been written by Bell as a tribute to his friend who had passed away. While they delivered this performance, the crowd appeared immersed as a silent hush fell over the room. The intimate environment of The Basement combined with the raw emotion of the band’s performance made the moment feel completely unfiltered and real.
By the end of the set, it was made clear that Palmyra’s charm not only rests in their musical talent but also in their way of connecting with audiences and delivering a personal performance. Palmyra closed out to cheers and an energized crowd.
