Simplicity and Authenticity: Pinegrove shines at The Capitol Room

Pinegrove | photo by Lauren Rosier for WXPN

There’s something so poetic about simplicity. Something that Montclair, NJ band Pinegrove, brings to life in its record and live shows.

Pinegrove is a 6-piece indie rock band comprised of Evan Stephen Hill (lead vocals/guitar), Josh Marre (guitar/vocals), Nandi Plunkett (keys/vocals), Sam Skinner (guitar), Adan Carlo (bass), and Zack Devine (drums/vocals).

There’s nothing fancy or flashy about the band, but their skill in creating beautiful, honest, relatable lyricism and musicianship is a result of each member’s contribution to the band. That authenticity shined Sunday night at Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center’s Capitol Room, a beautiful addition to the already gorgeous venue.

The last time I was at the Capitol Room, it didn’t exist; it was still a swimming pool. The work they’ve done on the space is incredible, converting it into a large warehouse-ish room adorned with contemporary barn-like charm. Chairs and couches circled the middle of the room with standing room in the front.

The sound system and lighting were phenomenal, and Pinegrove erupted into the track “Old Friends,” the opening track of the band’s 2016 album, Cardinal. The crowd erupted into song, loudly echoing the band’s unique phrasing (also one of my favorite aspects about their diarist lyricism).

Fans were also introduced to the band’s new addition, Lincoln, a gray stuffed sloth that chilled inside Devine’s bass drum and atop the tambourine with Plunkett.

The band played most out of the record and included some new tracks, with Hill sharing that he and the band will be recording a new album soon. For fans in the room, it was a great way to spend a Sunday; see photos from the show in the gallery below, and catch Pinegrove again this summer at the XPoNential Music Festival. Tickets and more information can be found at the festival website.