Pinegrove
Alt-rock New Jersey natives Pinegrove have built a solid following in the UK off the back of their debut album Cardinal, which landed last year on Run for Cover records. Preceding that, a string of releases culminating in the Everything So Far compilation made waves here too. But it’s still a pleasant surprise to see the quintet perform in Norwich – a setting far different from that of their home scene – and one that resonates in the atmosphere at Epic Studios. Waltzing in a little late I find that the room is full to bursting, and the excitement in the air is fantastic.
Touring buddy Lomelda (aka Hannah Read) delivers a charming solo set, perfectly warming us up with subdued songs about love and such things. Her vocal is flawless, reaching soaring heights with minimal effort in an autumnal, Angel Olsen sort of way. Occasionally the scrolling projection of posters that dominates the right wall of the room distracts her, and much of the audience too – the whole experience would benefit hugely if this were turned off during her performance, or if some dreamy visuals were displayed to compliment the music. But she laughs, apologises and plays it off coolly regardless.
I’m a newcomer to Pinegrove’s music, but the concentration of fans bristling with anticipation (suitably decked out in flannel and denim caps) suggests I may be late to the party on this one. The band arrive on stage and launch into the rip roaring Recycling and my suspicions are confirmed when the majority sing along flawlessly. Other cuts from Cardinal follow; Cadmium is an earthy, mellow number and its bassy drop inspires movement in the crowd, Size of the Moon keeps the tempo up with jangly guitars and an irresistible chorus.
Frontman Evan Hall is gracious, thanking us often before meandering onto more whimsical musings about touring or, in one case, allergens. “We met a super cute dog today”, he says. “I love dogs, I just can’t spend much time around them”. It’s not until one drunken upstart near the front starts calling out that the peace is shattered. But Hall deals with his heckler with inspiring humility; “our music is for everyone, even if they are annoying me”. The rest of us take his side, strengthening the already intimate atmosphere.
Snippets of new material are aired, and received just as well as the hits, like Old Friends which goes down an absolute treat. In one touching instance, The Metronome gets a play as requested by a girl near the side. “That made me feel so good!” Hall beams. By the time New Friends comes around to finish things off it feels like we’re all pals, united by a shared love of music and a companionship that not even drink, drugs or heartbreak could ever breach.
