The Milk Carton Kids performed at the Lobero Theatre for their fourth time on Wednesday, September 30. Fixed with only one microphone and a great sense of self-deprecating humor, the duo enraptured their audience with their incredible vocal and acoustic guitar talents and a good dose of banter.
After a comedic introduction by Joey Ryan, Joe Pug impressed as the solo opening act with his harmonica, an acoustic guitar and his “very tattoo-able” lyrics. Then the headlining harmonic folk duo took the stage with “Hope of a Lifetime.” Kenneth Pattengale effortlessly picked the acoustic strings through the softer song, continually swaying with eyes closed. In the following track, “Shooting Shadows,” Pattengale showcased his immense talent through complicated guitar solos.
After an upbeat “The City of Our Lady,” the pair took a break to make fun of each other and the audience, which, as observed by Pattengale, was filled with mostly the elder generation. Ryan also took this time to express his pride in “creating his own people” by having his first child.