Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine Edited by Fiza Javid Saturday 7/22/23 From the grounds of the Pitchfork Music Festival Day Number Two: Plenty of highlights, and also plenty of surprises- Both artist related, and also weather related. As far as weather related- the skirmishes of storms that kinda brushed by the lakefront, and look on radar that they might be lightning related- this happened a couple times earlier in the afternoon, although not complete evacuations from the Pitchfork grounds ( that would happen later, around the five o' clock hour). But the two minor ones earlier- a new protocol was enforced- not standing alongside any barricade within a hundred feet, because of potential lightning. Felt bad for the security guys trying to enforce this, since people have a hard time navigating anything a hundred feet distance related. And it's unfortunate to bring up anything weather related right off the bat, because of the outcomes in delays- which means postponing or completely striking off the schedule certain artists you were looking forward to seeing, such as Palm, who were supposed to go on at 1:45pm, or shortening sets, or mixing up sets. Troublesome- anything weather related. But that's what you get with outdoor festivals in general- a chance well worth taking, especially with a solid lineup and bookings, which is par for the course in regards to anything Pitchfork. And as for a main highlight of Day number Two from Pitchfork- Natalie Mering- otherwise known as Weyes Blood- we were given the option of photographing the last three songs of her set- "Do You Need My Love", "Twin Flame", and the closer "Movies". But wouldn't you know it- a steady rain for the last three, and for literally half of her set. No matter- the show proceeds (thank god). And even from off in the distance- the gentle and complex melodies are the order of the day with Natalie, especially with the opener "It's Not Just Me, It's Everybody", followed by "Grapevine". both of which are standard and glorious plums from her latest release, "And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow". That album, released late in the fall of last year- transfixes. Such breathtaking beauty, so well thought out in scope and magical weave. That Natalie appears like an angel goddess as well when performing, only adds to the luster of it all, and if you think things through for a moment, why let a light and steady rain thwart you when witnessing her perform live. She's all about mother nature, rain included. That was my brief take on things from the pit, along with the word "Acceptance". She's up their performing, you're down in the pit documenting. So there. Deal with it. Natalie Mering- meant to examine wholeheartedly these turbulent and troubling times- not by beating you over the head- just the opposite. Gentle and sophisticated melody, followed by heart rending questions of existing, all the more so- environment related, mother earth related, relationships related. The transfixing moments, especially towards the end of her set- is the mental image of a cracked heart, a wounded heart, and the way to make it heal. The cover art from "And in the darkness, Hearts Aglow" reflect and make note of this recurring theme, which shows Natalie with a glowing chest, looking so angelic and spiritual. Her take on things, especially relationship related, is that broken heart, it must emanate a light to recover, and to become anew. Through pain, coming out the other end, comes light, the ultimate remedy. So when she turns to the drum riser, and then turns back to the audience, there you have it- hearts aglow, and of course her devoted audience just eats it up. Time and time again- it's just so transfixing, never lost with me whatsoever in regards to shared communal support and the gifts of acceptance, both mentally and physically and spiritually. The word "Gifts" comes of the utmost importance, especially in trying to describe her performance, and the exquisite beauty of it all. Without question, the highlight from Day Two for me. But there were other notable nuggets throughout- The gifts of dancing and letting loose, with the electronic duo of Bolis Pupul and Chralotte Adigery, headlining form the Blue Stage. There set had obsessive punch, and a sincere approach of honesty permeated their set throughout. Such an delectable mixture of sexy beats, danceable beats. As for Archy Marshall, well known by his stage name King Krule- he still rules- thank god that his set remained undiminished through the pivots of rain delays and lightning delays. Archy is cool in his own right, but alongside that whipsmart band of his, elevating his brand of punk jazz with electrified amped everything. Another set from Day Two that was so downright memorable. Hopscotching all over the place, with the mid afternoon coolness of Black Belt Eagle Scout, otherwise known as Katherine Paul- from mellow vibes to all out post punk this and that. Her set was equally entertaining, and filled to the brim with indie rock energy. MJ Lenderman held sway in the afternoon as well, not much stage presence and energy, sure, but the the band can delve into slide guitar everything, making songs dance and bounce with different twists and turns. As for openers from Day Two, with Chicago's Deeper- this band can move and shake. Nic Gohl, who is the lead singer for Deeper, and who also plays guitar and also writes the lyrics, has his ear in the right place when I hear his band perform live- you hear jagged Television, wicked Echo and the Bunnymen, chiming guitars throughout, and even a bit of power pop mixed in as well. Loved watching this band perform so early in the day. Loved watching the headliner from Day Two as well, with Big Thief. A gentleness was the order of the day with them, even though a couple of the guys in the band made the attempt with costume- ish clothing, to up the ante in all things fun mixed with a cool factor. The humor of it all did not go unnoticed, especially considering the folk and acoustic vibe of main frontwoman Adrianne Lenker. The vibe and feel was definitely "Pin Drop" related, all well and good when coming to terms with their overall aesthetic and gentleness of mood. A day with many highlights, even when traversing through slight weather mishaps. Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago Pitchfork, Pitchfork Music Festival, Natalie Merring, Weyes Blood, Big Thief, King Krule, JBTV Music Television, Fiza Javid, Bobby Talamine
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