Los Angeles – These days, it is a pretty tall order for an indie rock band to create an original sound. It seems like every single combination and crossover that can be thought of has been done ad nauseum. There are folk songs with electronic dance breaks and country duets with rappers, just to name a few of the most bizarre mash-ups. However, on Cardinal, New Jersey-based quintet Pinegrove are able to concoct an appealing mixture of early 00′s emo punk’s earnest vocal intensity and the chilled-out instrumental influence of alt-country and Americana music. While there are plenty of bands that have taken elements of these two genres (which have more in common than meets the eye), few do it in the manner that Pinegrove is able to on their sophomore LP. Over the course of the last few years (2010-2014), the five members of self-released three EPs and an LP, Meridian. After signing to Run for Cover Records in October of 2015, Pinegrove released their first label-backed full-length on February 12: Cardinal.
The sonic blending of Pinegrove should really come as no surprise to those with knowledge of New Jersey’s rich musical history. This is the state that has produced some of the most influential, emotional punk rock bands of the last few decades (Lifetime, Thursday, Saves the Day), as well as being the hometown of rock ‘n roll’s king of the heartland, Bruce Springsteen. Taking two of their home state’s most important music traditions and blending them together in a seamless fashion, Pinegrove have created a promising batch of rock tunes. No track may exemplify the power of this combination of genres more than the album’s second song, “Cadmium,” which juxtaposes a slide riff with slightly chugging, palm-muted guitars in the verse before exploding into a huge, anthem-like chorus.
Evan Hall’s sometimes-strained, sometimes-twangy vocals play a huge role in establishing both sides of Pinegrove’s sound: the frustrated, heart-on-my-sleeve desperation of emo-rock, and the twangy, sometimes-sweet influence of Americana. Despite possessing a very strong lead vocalist, the strength of the band lies in Nick Levine. The guitarist of Pinegrove is able to create guitar riffs that are colorful, diverse and memorable as well as being perfectly adept at complementing Hall’s voice, whether that means taking the forefront or sticking in the background. Sam Skinner and Zack Levine are on bass and drums, respectively, and the two provide a solid rhythmic section. The alt-country and indie-punk influences of Pinegrove reach a climax midway through the album with the incredible “Visiting,” which incorporates elements of the wall-of-sound technique, giving the song vibrant textures.
The album is well-paced, mixing quicker songs like the galloping nervousness of “Then Again,” with loping ballads like “Waveform.” With only eight songs and a running length that barely clears the half-hour mark, makes for an extremely quick listen. The record’s jangling chord progressions and countrified vocal melodies make these catchy and emotional pop tracks feel shorter than they are in actuality.
Cardinal is available for purchase via iTunes. Beginning in mid-March, Pinegrove will embark on a massive North American tour that will take them across the United States and Canada. For tickets and more information, visit the band’s Facebook page.
Photo by Andrew Piccone
Matt Matasci
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