Ep 5. The Civil Wars/Punch Brothers

In season 38, episode 5 of Austin City Limits, viewers are in for a treat with two incredible performances by The Civil Wars and Punch Brothers. The show opens with the Grammy Award-winning duo, The Civil Wars consisting of Joy Williams and John Paul White. Their performance showcases a mix of folk, Americana, and indie rock melodies with their signature harmony and intensity.

The duo starts off with "I've Got This Friend" which immediately captures the essence of their style. Their performance includes several hit songs such as "20 Years", "Barton Hollow" and "Poison & Wine". The audience can feel the raw emotion in their voices as they harmonize and croon, taking the audience on an emotional journey with each song.

The Civil Wars' performance in Austin City Limits also includes some surprises, such as a beautiful cover of Michael Jackson’s "Billie Jean". They rework the classic pop song into a hauntingly beautiful ballad that shows off their songwriting skills and unique sound. The duo's set includes an intimate rendition of "Girl with the Red Balloon" which showcases how talented they are in creating songs with depth and meaning.

Up next are Punch Brothers, a band that blends bluegrass, folk, and classical music in their performance. The band is comprised of virtuosic musicians such as Chris Thile, Gabe Witcher, Noam Pikelny, Chris Eldridge, and Paul Kowert. The band members showcase their skills throughout their performance, leaving the audience in awe.

Punch Brothers' performance begins with "Movement and Location" which features stunning harmonies and brilliant instrumentals. The band moves on to play "Flippen" which has a unique sound that blends their classic bluegrass style with a more modern feel. The performance also includes "Don't Get Married Without Me", a delicate love song that showcases the band's softer side.

One particular highlight of Punch Brothers' set is "My Oh My". The song is a sad reflection on love lost that is brought to life with gorgeously intricate instrumental breaks and soothing harmonies. The band also performs "This Girl" which has a more upbeat feel that showcases their versatility when it comes to music genres.

Overall, Austin City Limits' season 38 episode 5 is a must-watch for anyone who loves great music, as both The Civil Wars and Punch Brothers put on incredible performances. The episode is full of beautiful harmonies, intricate instrumentals, and raw emotion that make it a memorable experience for viewers.