Video: Mountain Goats: Tiny Desk Concert

In person, John Darnielle's twitchy, nervous energy serves his fearless songwriting well: His performances are utterly committed, with intensity that infuses his screams and whispers alike. In this solo Tiny Desk Concert, his four songs fit nearly into distinct categories: new and quiet, new and loud, old and quiet, and old and loud. It's no surprise that all four approaches serve him well.