In the pines
w/ Engine Summer, and Superkick
Schubas
September 2, 2021
Their catchy, familiar yet fresh melodies had all the bounce and playful enthusiasm I look for in punky indie rock. This is a trio without a weak leg. Guitarist Mike Vaughn beams as he blasts us with power chords and vocals. When not doing their share on the mic, unconventional guitar-strung bassist Joey Mirabelli was propelled around the stage as the music coursed through them. Drummer, Tom Ruby, simply doesn't quit. Even when the band slowed it down on “Sure Thing” a break in the music gives Ruby the opportunity to let loose that punk energy on their kit with both power and obvious skill. They know the way around their kit. Even if they occasionally lose a stick, I hope they never hold back on those flips. Def check out Superkick at Golden Dagger on September 25th.
"It's Thursday September 2nd at 8:46pm. The Dow closed 2% higher. We are Engine Summer and we're going to play a set." Guitarist Jeremy Marsan’s sense of humor is front and center as our second Chicago band took the stage. The first notes of their latest single "My Hair Stood Up" did just that. I was aflutter with excited anticipation.
This band was in the first show I had the distinct honor of writing about back in 2018. But this wasn't a repeat of that first show. Engine Summer is evolving their sound, adding layers of samples and effects. The set had a relaxed explorative feel. They are at ease feeling their way through this new instrumentation, playing quite a few new songs amidst some of my old favs. The three band members all contribute to vocals, sharing in a stylistically cohesive sound. They also share in the need to move. When freed from his guitar, Marsan jumps and thrashes his body around with expressive abandon like a hippie at Woodstock. Bassist Ben Kostecki struts and sambas with his instrument. Showing off the body-moving rhythm he plays for us. Ryan Ohm exercises his need to move on his drum kit, occasionally wagging his head. The set ended strong with two new tracks. "Dream" caught my attention with a killer baseline. "Cumberland" capped off their set with a let it all hang loose jamming energy surge.
Headlining Cincy band In the Pines took the stage with a wall of sound. Their musical exploration covered a lot of ground, traversing blues rock, grunge, and psych, while keeping one foot firmly in southern rock throughout the set. The music moved so seamlessly through these influences it was a pleasure to sit back and see where they would take us next. Their music may be explorative, but this is an extremely tight band. The drummer, Alex Dungan, was powerful and confident in the driver's seat. Whether sauntering or thrashing, nothing phased him. Bassist/vocalist Pat Zopff channeled next level soul with face contorting wails. While Michael Shular, (guitar/vocals) brought a bit of irreverent swagger to the stage. Charlie Horn experimented, bending and exploring the sounds of his guitar in whammy-tastic fashion.
Although they were each killer musicians, it was the joyful collaborative performance that won me over. The vocal harmonies cut straight to the heart. The two guitars interplayed and formed guitar-monies that took us to higher planes. Their new single "Birdsong" had a breakdown so powerful it seemed to pull the audience closer. Their latest album, Slow Blink was well represented in the set and def worth checking out. When they got down and jammy during “Naked Eye,” Dungan finally let loose of his composure and showed us he could really demolish those drums. What a beautiful sight. In the Pines closed with two more stunners from Slow Blink, "Reborn" and "Under Your Chin" each a journey worth taking. Hoots and hollers were drawn from the crowd as the set came to an end all too soon. As the cheers and notes faded, the happy vibes remained, following us out into the warm summer night.
-Tina Mead
