Pitchfork Music Festival is Chicago’s ode to the critic’s darlings. Acclaimed artists, with an emphasis on the “art,” set up on one of three stages in the Windy City’s Union Park. Everyone riding the Pink Line “L” train headed towards the festival is wearing a floppy hat, sunglasses and the coolest shirt from the vintage store in their hometown. It’s a midwest meetup to see artists from all over the world. Day 1 was the perfect example.
One of the first energetic sets on Friday came from post-wave Brooklynites Nation of Language. The three NYC pals have been playing since 2016, and fired up a mid-afternoon crowd with synths and bass tones.
It’s a new take on new-wave. The band is talented. Nation of Language even debuted songs from their upcoming album Strange Disciple.
The first heavily anticipated set of day one was Perfume Genius. Everyone at Pitchfork Music Festival spent the afternoon asking two questions: “Where are you from?” and “Where are you standing for Perfume Genius?”
Between the answers of “St. Louis,” “I flew from D.C.” “We’re here from Toronto” or “I live in Chicago,” there was a defiant “As close as I can be,” from fans.
We got as close as we could too.
Perfume Genius is best known for discussing sexuality in lyrics, and showcasing the feeling his performances. He immediately offered that when the rauckus crowd erupted over him walking out with red gloves that went all the way up his thin arms.
Throughout his nearly one-hour set, Perfume Genius pulled the microphone chord towards him while shaking his body, singing wistfully and letting his backing band shred.
It absolutely ripped.
Canadian rockers Alvvays are perhaps the hottest band in the world today. Straight off the heels of their fall 2022 third album Blue Rev, these Canadian power-pop stars came out to play synths, noisy guitars and drum away in slamming fashion.
A lot of people were excited about their set. A lot.
The coolest moments of their set popped up across their discography.
The rendition of “Very Online Guy” from Blue Rev felt like lightning in a bottle. This is the band that has it the most together, playing in sync and getting experimental on stage while riding high from new songs. Guitarist Alec O’Hanley strummed into his amp to get effects pushe3d back in his face while singer Molly Rankin played with pedals using her hands and leaning over them while singing. During another track, Rankin screeched into the microphone and tapped an effects pedal with her foot, sending her voice into a sonic wail cutting in and out. She was like a bat shouting at a wall so it echoed.
The whole crowd also sang and danced along to the hit “Archie, Marry Me” from the group’s self-titled record.
There was a little of a lot to offer at Pitchfork Music Festival day one.
Day two will feature Julia Jacklin, Weyes Blood, MJ Lenderman, Big Thief, King Krule, Snail Mail, Palm, Deeper and more.
You can watch a live stream of Pitchfork Music Festival day two here.
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