Chicago Innerview
Know before the show
Lines Facebook Twitter RSS
  • Shows
  • News
  • Features
  • Calendar
  • About
  • Archives
  • Magazine

HAIM

by Daniella Thompson
photo by Laura Jane Coulson

This year’s Pitchfork Fest features an abundance of sisterly love, with HAIM taking center stage to close out the festival’s opening night. The three-piece pop rock juggernaut consisting of sisters Alana, Danielle, and Este Haim equates to a well-oiled machine of a band, with each member contributing instrumentally between guitar, bass, and percussion in addition to providing vocals. Previously opening for the likes of Vampire Weekend and Kings of Leon, the sisters Haim are more than capable of headlining this year’s festivities and have been consistently developing their sound for this moment. For example, their collaborative work with French electronic producer Gesaffelstein on the 2019 track “So Bad” truly showcases their versatility and range as vocalists, musicians, and performers. With their most recent 2017 LP Something to Tell You spawning the apologetic anthem “Want You Back”, the same can be said to the tantalizing notion of HAIM on stage at Pitchfork: we want you back.

8:30-9:50 PM
Green Stage

LOW

by Jamie Robash
photo by Shelly Mosman

It took some time and quite a few records, but by this point in their career the veteran Duluth, Minnesota trio Low — consistently helmed by the husband and wife team of Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker — seem to have finally escaped the “slowcore” label they were slapped with in their early days yet left by the roadside some years ago. Beginning with a Dylan-esque transformation from haunting, slow-tempo acoustic songs to brash and obtrusive electric tunes on 2005’s The Great Destroyer, Low have consistently sharpened their hatchet blade of rock to take on more drone and fuzz with each consecutive record (to the point where Sparhawk’s guitar at times sounds like it’s being strummed by helicopter blades.) What has remained constant is Sparhawk’s mournful moan and politically charged lyricism, as has Parker’s angelic falsetto which lends spare glimmers of hope to their sound from time to time. Their most recent album, last year’s Double Negative, is their loudest record yet.

7:45-8:30 PM
Blue Stage

EARL SWEATHSHIRT

by Jake McKenzie
photo by Steven Traylor

When Earl Sweatshirt’s self-released (on MySpace) debut mixtape, Earl, caught the attention of Tyler, the Creator, Earl landed a coveted spot on the Odd Future crew. Unfortunately, his hip hop career almost ended before it got started when his mom shipped him off to a boarding school in Samoa. Imagine trying to reinvent rap as a brave new voice in hip hop, but then you get grounded. Bummer! But his time at boarding school was spent writing rhymes and reading counterculture literature, allowing Sweatshirt to emerge on his eighteenth birthday ready to embody the hip hop star he was destined to be. Earl’s flow is introspective and mellow, but that doesn’t mean he won’t put on a show. What Earl’s monotone delivery may lack in energy will be more than made up for by his rabid fanbase, who are sure to show up to provide backing vocals to every song.

5:15-6:10 PM
Red Stage

RICO NASTY

by Daniella Thompson
photo by Mario Kristian

Somewhere amongst altered reality, rampant rhymes, and incessant rage lies Maryland rapper Rico Nasty. Known for her unique, raspy delivery showcased in her endlessly aggressive tracks, the 23-year-old has swiftly forged her own lane in the industry while simultaneously filling a void of direct, unapologetic rage. 2016’s Sugar Trap mixtape solidified her space in the game and put her name in mouths. Visibly adamant about her creative control, Rico’s appearance evolves about as rapidly as her sound — for which she bears no apologies. With songs titled “Smack a Bitch” and records like 2019’s Anger Management, you may not think this mother of one truly has a soft spot. But she does. Uniting listeners who may have believed they don’t have a space within the culture, she’s inspired marginalized “ragers” from around the globe to utilize her shows as a refuge to be themselves with no regrets.

2:45-3:30 PM
Blue Stage

More Posts

  • Recent
  • Most Read
  • LIVE REVIEW: FRANZ FERDINAND AT THE ARAGON 12/10
  • LIVE REVIEW: 2024 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION IN CHICAGO
  • LIVE REVIEW: NORTH COAST MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023
  • LIVE REVIEW: GOOSE AT THE RIVIERA 6/21
  • Lollapalooza Announces 2021 Lineup at Full Capacity
  • Pitchfork Music Festival Announces 2021 Lineup, Move to September
  • Riot Fest Announces 2021 Lineup, 2022 Tickets on Sale
  • Spring Awakening Announces 2021 Lineup
  • Summer Smash Announces 2021 Lineup
  • Ravinia Announces 2021 Festival Lineup
  • Month
  • Day
  • Week
  • Year

Join Email List

Know before the show

© INNERVIEW Media, Inc.