David Byrne is a fun guy. Ever since I first watched his early 2020 concert film, “American Utopia” a few weeks back, I’ve been unable to stop appreciating Byrne’s music, style, and genius. Though I knew his work beforehand, and would have called myself a fan, seeing this show made me more amazed at his songwriting and vibes. “American Utopia” combines impeccable, varied choreography, a wide selection of songs—both from Byrne’s solo career and hits from his time with the rock band, The Talking Heads—and engaging camerawork from renowned director Spike Lee into a nearly two hour musical experience that I couldn’t look away from.
The whole production acts as a celebration and critique of Americanness, helped along by Byrne’s commentary throughout. From “Everybody’s Coming to My House,” a song reflective of the country’s immigrant history, to “One Fine Day,” a song hopeful for the country’s future, to all the hits sprinkled throughout, the concert touches on many big questions and themes that have surrounded America and humanity in general. All of this is done in an abstract, mishmashed, new-wave method very similar to much of the rest of Byrne’s work which I struggle to thoroughly describe.
Though the songs are varied in genre and tone, from heavy rock to world music to asthmatic acapella choir singing, I was engaged for nearly all of the runtime. The show can drag at times in the middle, but never for too long, and the ever changing lighting and choreography helps to focus your attention. Byrne is joined on stage by 11 dancers and musicians who slowly enter a few at a time over the course of the first few songs. No backing tracks are used and all instruments are played right on the stage. The stage is entirely bare, as are the feet of the performers. All involved wear instruments strapped to the same gray suit.
Aside from a model of a brain and a plain table and chair used for the spectacular opening number “Here” (one of the best parts of the show), no props are used. Instead, the “curtains surrounding the stage”, actually hundreds of blue light strands hanging down from the ceiling, provide dynamic entrances and exits for the performers. No lighting choice is constant and most songs have their own distinctive look to them. The entire show seems intricately crafted and perfectly timed.
Highlights for me include the aforementioned “Here” and “Everybody’s Coming to My House,” the nonsensical “I Zimbra,” and of course the encore number “Road to Nowhere” during which Byrne and company leave the stage and dance through the audience. Though the show gets serious at times, especially during a moving tribute to victims of police violence towards the end of the show, the music and dancing keeps the show fun and peppy. The live audience is clearly enjoying themselves. If you are a longtime fan of Byrne or “The Talking Heads,” a more surface level fan like me, or someone looking for a truly unique musical experience, I cannot recommend “American Utopia” enough.
“American Utopia” is available to watch on HBO Max, though just the live album is available on most music streaming platforms.
