Gov't Mule Unwinds at the Warner

THURSDAY, APR. 19

Music — at least music that which has anything to say — could not exist without tension. Blues music, in particular, would be a figment in its absence; a bluesman relies on tension to make his guitar strings sound and tension in his soul to sing lyrics that resonate. Gov't Mule just so happened to begin recording its tenth studio album Revolution Come, Revolution Go with tension at (or near) an all-time high: Election Day 2016. The push-pull between Democrat and Republican, majority and minority, traditional and progressive, globalism or isolationism, regulation or deregulation (and seemingly anything one might conceivably take sides on) had seldom felt so pronounced. This environment cultivated the band's most critically acclaimed release since 2001's The Deep End, which was written in the wake of founding member and bassist Allen Woody's passing (grief, of course = tension).

Lead guitarist, singer, and principal songwriter Warren Haynes developed a kinship with Woody when they joined the legendary Allman Bros. Band in 1989. Five years later, the two recruited drummer Matt Abts and recorded Gov't Mule's self-titled debut. Since then, the band has expanded from a power trio to a quartet, consisting of Haynes, Abts, Danny Louis (guitar, keys, and backup vocals), and Jorgen Carlsson (bass). At the core of the Gov't Mule's sound are Haynes' gritty electric blues riffs and commanding vocals, but the group also draws from gospel, soul, jazz, funk, and country to create a varied repertoire. They are also known to splice a well-placed cover or two into their sets, whether it be The Beatles (check out their great interpretation of "She Said, She Said"), Pink Floyd, or (naturally) the Allman Bros.

Like the Allmans, the band is well-regarded for their ability to improvise during their live shows, several of which have been recorded and are cherished by fans as much as, if not more so, than their studio albums. You'll be able to treasure their upcoming concert at the Warner Theatre (although you won't be able to take home a copy), with metal-tinged Southern rockers Black Stone Cherry opening. Even if the music comes from being wound-up, listening is about unwinding. — Matt Swanseger

7:30 p.m. // 811 State St. // $36.75-$44 // erieevents.com/events/govt-mule/