How is Jenny Lewis’s side project Nice as Fuck already 10 years old? The trio first performed at a Bernie Sanders rally in 2016 and made their television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert during that year’s Republican National Convention. The band recently announced their aptly titled Back as Fuck Tour, a 10-show reunion run that stopped at Philadelphia’s Theatre of Living Arts on Wednesday night. Making the occasion even more memorable, the show was staged in the round, with a small riser positioned in the middle of the floor and fans arriving early to secure a good spot.
LA-based DJ Alix Brown opened the evening with a far-out mix of ’60s retro sounds that would make Quentin Tarantino jealous. As her set wrapped up, Lewis and bandmates Tennessee Thomas and Erika Forster made their way through the crowd and onto the stage. With only one album to draw from and no Rilo Kiley hits in sight, the set was short and sweet. The sound, however, couldn't have been better. Backed by thunderous drums and bass, Lewis’s voice cut through the darkness as she delivered a beautiful rendition of “Door,” the pleading “Guns,” and the funky instrumental “Mall Music.”
Another highlight was the band’s self-titled theme song, with its simple, infectious refrain: “We’re nice as fuck / Wish you good luck,” which had the crowd cheering and pumping their fists. The intimate setup also made for plenty of audience interaction. At one point, drummer Tennessee Thomas encountered a fan who apparently thought she was dead, leading to an extended exchange filled with laughter and even a few tears. Lewis deadpanned, “I’m so glad to hear you’re still alive.”
A handful of covers were sprinkled throughout the night, including A Tribe Called Quest’s “Can I Kick It?” and Prince’s “When Doves Cry,” which closed the set before giving way to a dance party set to Harry Nilsson’s “Jump Into the Fire.” With that, the trio exited the same way they arrived, dancing and waving their way through the crowd as the house lights came up. Most fans seemed stunned by what they’d just witnessed. Did that really happen?
Here’s hoping this reunion inspires more shows of this intimate variety. Check out scenes from the night below. — @iskradavid
