Pitchfork Music Festival Review
Union Park, Chicago, Illinois
July 17-19, 2015
Pitchfork’s 10th Anniversary!!!
In the 10th installment of Pitchfork, one experienced an extremely hot and humid Day 1, torrential rain that evacuated the grounds (briefly) on Day 2, and a pleasant, yet warm, setting for Day 3. Once again, the festival offered a diverse (yet uneven, but exciting) lineup that covered an array of music genres (hip-hop, electronic, DJ, rock, punk, indie, etc.). One of the joys of this festival is catching up on new music. This type of introduction is one of the staples and true pleasures of Pitchfork.
CHVRCHES Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
The selfies were omnipresent. This generation is certainly fascinated with themselves as much as the performers on stage. Nevertheless, these younglings gleefully crowded the stages, the festivities were flowing, carpet scraps were strategically place throughout, and the attire was not subdued.
Panda Bear Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
The sounds could be described as freshley-digital-retro, just like the dress. Sporting tees ranging from Mountain Dew logos to Bull’s winning era jersey’s to hippie flower child afghans, the scene was a collection of mashups that paralleled the acts.
Panda Bear Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
Noah Lenox’s Panda Bear navigated from a soothing electronic rhythm that can be quite lovely to an assortment of disruptive screeching pitches that reminded onlooker that you are in a live and vibrant setting. Standing alone on stage protected by sound system synthesizer and colorful strands of wires, Panda Bear’s minimalist stance may have been best served at dusk (or dawn)? Lenox’s music offered a transitional being which was eclectic and can be best associated with interpretations of one’s experiences at twilight.
Wilco Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
Chicago’s Wilco closed out day 1 with a full play of their recently free release of “Star Wars”. Jeff Tweedy and co. performed 22 songs (11 for the 1st time) at diligent, yet measured pace. This 6 piece, once again, illustrated their continuity and professional approach in a manner that reminisces timeless foundations found in American rock music.
Parquet Courts Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
Beating out the rain in Day 2, Parquet Courts offered a bit of humor asking the crowd, “Surely not all of you paid. Who snuck in?”. A brief silence was followed by uncomplicated hard-driven rock. This NYC rising feature reminded the audience that brazen rock doesn’t take second-fiddle in an age of contrived and studio manipulated music.
The Julie Ruin Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
The Julie Ruin set was certainly the most inspirational. Kathleen Hanna addressed the audience with respect and integrity. She holds such a charming stage presence. Here, The Julie Ruin’s “Oh Come On” was one of the best songs to see live this weekend. The dynamism of Hanna’s vocals, Kathi Wilcox’s immersive bass and Carmine Covelli’s instigating percussion invoked a feeling that one could be catching the act in a small intimate venue, just for you.
Perfume Genius Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
One of the treasures for which I was completely unfamiliar with was Perfume Genius (my wife has been after me to checkout the music of Mike Hadreas for some time). I have since downloaded the album “Too Bright”, released by Matador in 2012. Hedreas was captivating in a set that investigated abuse, personal struggle and sexuality at a time where these topics have become highly politicized, bringing them to the forefront in our global culture dialogue.
How to Dress Well Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
How to Dress Well (aka Tom Krell) was delayed by 15-20 minutes. This snag produced a shortened set that felt discombobulated. There was a sad-sigh panning the audience producing disinterest and a call to move on. The R&B rhythm seemed lost in translation as Krell’s futile attempts to keep the audience engaged echoed his own frustration.
Future Islands Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
Who does not enjoy the energy and passion of Samuel T. Herring live? Don’t we all want to experience this feeling? Simply put, the front man of Future Islands finds comfort in performing, especially for a large assembly. With a baritone brilliance that has been fondly associated with Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster (everyone loves the Cookie Monster!), Herring and co. required active participation from the audience. Goading onlookers, Herring scampered about, dancing fervently in a flurry as he shook his booty, gyrated happily, stood upon speakers and beaconed on more rain!
Jamie XX Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
It was easy to engage with DJ Jamie XX’s set. Teasing perennial hit, “Loud Places”, no less than 3 times, Jamie XX held an adept ability to read (and ready) his audience. The set ebbed and flowed without a glitch through danceable experimentation. Is this artist that may be better served after dark? Surely not here, the elevated mood did not surprise for the complexity of the set reminded the spectators that quality of vibrating conveyance was not limited by the hour.
Courtney Barnett Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
Courtney Barnett made you want to visit Australia! The affable Barnett chatted personably with the crowd as she strummed ironic verse with a candor that felt like you were sitting by a lakeside bonfire among friends. There is something about a strong lady with guitar in hand that makes festival going a memorable experience.
Run the Jewels Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
Run the Jewels were joined by Rage Against the Machine’s vocalist Zack de la Rocha, briefly. Heck the dude (de la Rocha) did not even stick around for an audience response. What’s up? These two rappers showered the crowd with a dense social politic that conveyed anger and expected response. The set was tight with a “Take No Prisoners” attitude and vibe that could not be overlooked.
Chance the Rapper Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
And finally, Chance the Rapper held court in an historic night in his young career. This youthful entity held a smoothness that illustrates his interest and knowledge in a wide range of music. Devoting a large portion of his set to “Surf,” the latest effort with his band the Social Experiment there was a sense of transition through experience. In total, Chance the Rapper merged gospel, rap, and R&B idioms while reminding the audience that we are one big family. Good luck young man!
Caribou Set, Pitchfork Music Festival, Union Park, Chicago, IL, 2015
Perhaps, Pitchfork is outgrowing the west side venue of Union Park? This sad realization may be difficult to swallow for those die-hard fans who find this festival’s accessibility and overall “indie” feel paramount. In the 10 years Pitchfork has been in running, the music has offered peaks and valleys, something new, and something old to counterbalance the mega festivals. At this time, all we can wish for is that Pitchfork continues to offer a most excellent outlet for nurturing future musicians (and fans).
For additional information on the Pitchfork Music Festival, please visit:
Pitchfork – http://pitchforkmusicfestival.com
Review and photography by Chester Alamo-Costello
