LIVE REVIEW: INNERVIEW AT PITCHFORK FEST, DAY ONE

Overcast skies and spotty showers on Friday probably weren’t everyone’s ideal way to kick off the 2018 edition of Pitchfork Music Fest. (Not to mention the news of Earl Sweatshirt’s last-minute cancellation undoubtedly added an additional damper.) Nevertheless, in true Chicago fashion, the clouds eventually parted. The festivities commenced with Chicago’s own indie pop rock band The Curls, welcoming everyone to the Green Stage with easygoing melodies accompanied by the heavy reverb of their lo-fi, surfer-like riffs. Later on (keeping in pace with a serene afternoon) was the ethereal indie folk sound of Julie Byrne, whose wistful guitar strums had curious listeners making their way over to her stage and staying a while. By late afternoon, the festival picked up speed with Open Mike Eagle, whose unique brand of hip hop reminiscent of an Adult Swim soundtrack recharged the crowd. Next up was Saba, bringing in a crowd that was feelin’ the local love by the time his set ended with “Westside Bound 3.” Droves of listeners made their way over to the Blue Stage, where Mount Kimbie hypnotized with their build-up of complex keyboard and electronic beats. Courtney Barnett rocked an undeniably enjoyable rock set until finally Tame Impala, the psychedelic rock sensation of our times, hit the Green Stage as the perfect capstone to the evening, outfitted with a light and laser show bursting with heady visuals. So, all things considered, it was hard to complain about the weather. BY COURTNEY RIOS–PHOTO BY POONEH GHANA
Next: Pitchfork Fest Day Two