Ariel Pink plus Purple Pilgrims, Kirin J Callinan will play the Clubroom at Pearl Street in Northampton on Saturday, June 8th at 9PM. A show preview.

Ariel Pink and Haunted Graffiti

Ariel Pink‘s debut on 4AD, Before Today, blew a lot of minds and solidified the musician and his band as worthwhile purveyors and perverters of popular music’s past. Littered with melodies and harmonies taken out of various decades and then covered in a haze of what was known vaguely at the time as “chillwave,” the album was on plenty of lists as one of the best albums of the year. So last year, when Mature Themes came out, it was understandable that people were worried about a possible slump or let down in momentum. This neurosis might have stopped people from giving the album its fair due, while not as immediately accessible as Before Today, it still displays the same pedigree and the same understanding of innately pleasant melody. One listen to the title track or “Only in Dreams” should silence any haters. Regardless, the “chillwave” fad looks like it is on its way to being snuffed out this year, with many artists associated with the genre (including Ariel Pink, Toro y Moi, Beach Fossils, and Youth Lagoon) branching out and making music with only a faint residue of the genre still included. While fans might want to hear songs like “Bright Lit Blue Skies,” “Can’t Hear My Eyes,” and “Round and Round,” on Saturday June 8th they should give the new stuff a chance to burrow into their hearts as well.

 

Purple Pilgrims

 
One of the defining features of music in 2013 so far seems to be an oscillation back to the sounds and features of psychedelia in music. Perhaps this is a result of the previously mentioned genre of “chillwave” gaining popularity with druggy, hazy sounds that are starting to reach into all aspects of music, perhaps it corresponds to a deep and subconscious need to drown out clarity in emotionally trying times devoid of any kind of mysticism, or perhaps it is something completely different. Either way, the sister duo of Clementine and Valentine Nixon are going to bring some droney, noisey stuff to the Wonder Ballroom as Purple Pilgrims. While the venue is technically non-smoking, I can’t imagine their set going by without at least one person realizing that things might get a little interesting with some marijuana involved. This is not to say it is necessary to enjoy the music, but rather that the music inspires a certain kind of introspection that is aided by certain herbal supplements.

 

Kirin J Callahan

Kirin J Callahan is the former guitarist for Mercy Arms, an Australian indie-rock band that were signed to Capitol Records. After their breakup, Callahan went solo, releasing his first full-length album in 2012. Kirin creates hyper-detailed dissonant songs that sit somewhere between boozy folklore and catchy noise.  The song (and video) “Embracism” is exactly that—his voice rough and completely torn up, croaking over wailing guitar sirens and a skronky, cathartic ending. It’d feel improvised if it wasn’t so tightly wound. Callinan’s Embracism is out July 2nd, 2013 on Siberia/Terrible Records.

Tickets are $15 at Northampton Box Office, 413-586-8686 or buy online right here.