On a breezy Tuesday evening in downtown Phoenix, Shakey Graves returned to The Van Buren to celebrate ten years of And the War Came—an album that cracked open something tender and timeless in the hearts of many. This stop on his 10th Anniversary Tour felt like a reunion with an old friend: familiar, cathartic, and full of unexpected moments.
The evening opened with a set from Tyler Ballgame, who warmed up the room with a blend of southern charm, indie edge, and laid-back stage presence before the headliner took the stage.
When Shakey Graves appeared, the energy shifted. A decade may have passed since the release of And the War Came, but the songs still carry weight—and live, they hit even harder. From the first strum of “Only Son,” it was clear the crowd came not just to listen, but to feel. Each lyric was sung back with reverence, especially during tracks like “Family and Genus” and “Dearly Departed,” where the line between performer and audience blurred into something communal.
Alejandro Rose-Garcia—ever the shapeshifter—moved effortlessly between electric chaos and delicate stillness, offering reflections between songs with his signature blend of humor, insight, and humility. His storytelling carried as much gravity as the music itself, making the night feel deeply personal, even in a packed room.
With a full band behind him, the live renditions of the album’s tracks carried fresh arrangements and renewed energy without losing the charm of their original recordings. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a reimagining. A reminder that even the songs we know by heart can still surprise us.
This tour isn’t just a victory lap. It’s a love letter to the moments that shaped us and the music that stayed when everything else changed. Shakey Graves gave Phoenix more than a show—he gave us a night to remember who we were then, and maybe, who we’re becoming now.
