Bendigo Fletcher Fills the Sinclair with Spirit

By Sarah Fournell // Photos by Tyler Campbell

The five-piece band, Bendigo Fletcher, “felt the spirit” in Cambridge Thursday night as part of their supporting role in Madison Cunningham’s The Revealer Tour. The band matched the crowd perfectly, practically mirroring the look of the audience with their hipster hats and glorious beards. The flannel-clad crowd members welcomed the band with open arms and cheered them on in between sips of craft beers and artisan cocktails. 

They started their set by playing their new EP Wingdings in full, a deeply intimate, sweet folk collection. With each new line about folding laundry and dancing with the ones you love, Bendigo Fletcher transformed the room from a posh rock venue into a cozy farmhouse living room. They performed as if the audience was made up of their closest friends and family, or perhaps to a group of friendly woodland creatures.

Bendigo Fletcher hails from Kentucky, and made it apparent with their banjo slinging and harmonica playing. Between songs, lead singer Ryan Anderson told the audience “Banjo players spend half the time tuning, half the time playing outta tune.” With graceful harmonies interwoven with masterful finger-picking, Bendigo Fletcher channeled sixties folk rock charm reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, and Nash and the country twang of Hank Williams. 

The EP exudes the warmth of a homely hearth, with romantic and touching lyrics. Each song explores the tranquil simplicity of an alternative lifestyle, whether it be off the grid or in a simulation. “Juniper Moore” and “Broken Routine,” contained the same sentiment—no matter where you are, as long as you’re with your love, you’ll be alright. 

After showcasing new songs, they dipped into the rest of their discography. The group plucked on the banjo and the heartstrings of the audience with fan favorites “Sugar in the Creek” and “Wonderfully Bizarre.” The group managed to shapeshift throughout their set, making sure to touch on each lovely aspect of the county folk genre. With each note of the slide guitar, whistle of the harmonica, and yearning cry of Anderson, Bendigo Fletcher truly bewitched the crowd.