So, I got to see Pentimento last night. But before I talk about that experience, let me first give props to all of the acts before them. Because Better Off could not make it, Pentimento was the only band of the night that I knew prior to arriving at the venue. Every single artist last night was extremely enjoyable and I will most definitely check out all of their music in the future. I must thank the concept of shows and openers, as without them, I wouldn’t have been able to watch or even meet some solid people.
As for Pentimento themselves, they were phenomenal. I must say that, besides a few key moments in their self titled, I only really know the lyrics from their new record, as I tend to immerse myself in the instrumentation and melodies before paying attention to what’s actually being said. However, even though the setlist was mainly older tracks, there was never a moment where I felt out of place. I kept dancing, headbanging, moving my arms around, you name it. The energy was incredible and I even got to scream the lyrics right at Vincent’s face when he got closer to the crowd.
When it came to the new songs, I could not have been happier. The band played my three favorites from the record: Stuck Forever, Sink or Swim, and probably my favorite song of the year, My Solution Is In The Lake.
The last one was huge for me. I told the band members about how, musically, it’s such an interesting song, as it showcases one of the catchiest choruses of the record, but it’s only played twice in the song (and the first one is only half of it). I also talked to Jeramiah about how it’s so cool that, usually, after short album openers, the second song is usually a fast one, but Solution starts off subtle and then explodes when you thought it would stay tame. I never really heard that tracklisting set up from an album before, so that alone makes me love the song so much.
Emotionally, I’m still trying to figure out exactly why this song means a lot to me. The lyrics are relatable, but so is everything else in the record, so why does this song grab me so much? Honestly, my favorite moment of the set was being able to yell out that chorus from the top of my lungs. It was extremely cathartic and it’s something I’ve been wanting to do when listening to the record at home. All of the inner turmoil and stress that was collected these past few weeks were set free during those short seconds. What made it perfect though was having Sink or Swim come right after, as I was under a lot of emotional weight with Solution, so the fast paced sing a long was much appreciated as it helped me flow back into concert mode.
Every single one of the members treated me with the upmost respect, whether it be Jeramiah letting me record a video of him talking to my friend, @hispanickedatthedisco, and my girlfriend, @a-dark-eyed-dreamer, or how Michael complimented me on my Deja shirt. You killed it on the drums by the way. I also talked to either Vincent or Lance about Foxing, but I can’t remember which of the two. All in all, they were such great people and it warmed my heart to see them remember my name and say it with a good night when I headed out.
My two favorite bands are Brand New and Jimmy Eat World, and really, after last night, Pentimento can fit right in on 3rd. I listen to so many bands that it’s hard for me to pick a concrete favorite after the first two, but a combination of the new record, the show, the people they support (such as the sweetest folk ever, Caleb and Carolyn), and of course, the band members themselves, that slot is solidified.
Catch you guys on the next MA show. I genuinely can’t wait. Now, time to wear my new hoodie and take it easy so I can get my voice back!