Photos and review by Michael Buchsieb

Pinegrove came through Columbus this past Tuesday, and the indie rock band out of Montclair New Jersey performed a wonderful show. The night started off with Adjy, an indie alternative band that was very charismatic and lively throughout their performance. Following was Vagabon, a fantastic trio out of New York City. Vagabon’s performance was calming, yet kept you hanging on every line sang and every melodic guitar and bass line.

Pinegrove took the stage to a rousing and eager sold-out crowd. The last time Pinegrove was in Columbus, they were an opener for a crowd of 200 at Ace of Cups, now playing as the headliner in front of roughly 700, not a bad improvement over 7 months. Performing songs mainly off their hit debut album Cardinald, they also played some new music from an upcoming March release, as well as old favorites such as Recycling and The Metronome. Quirky frontman Evan Stephens Hall entertained the crowd with ease, smiling and laughing, as well as emotionally pouring himself out into his singing and performing. You can see and hear as they perform that these songs and lyrics truly mean something to them. As a long time fan of Pinegrove, they are one of the best live acts I have been able to see. Hearing musicians build off one another is a real treat when watching live music, and Pinegrove does it excellently.

Before closing the night with their encore of New Friends, Evan left the crowd with words that he wanted us to take away from their performance, and they resonated with me. “We care a lot about the people we do know, but what about the people we don’t know? Let’s treat the people we don’t know, a little bit better.” It’s very clear that Pinegrove does what they do not only for their love of music, but their love for people and expression. Don’t miss your chance to see Pinegrove when they come near you, there isn’t another band quite like them.