Pavement at Chicago Theater 9/23 Concert Review!!

Pavement the 90s indie rock outcasts played two nights at the Chicago Theater and I was lucky enough to go the second night. Stephen Malkmus is one of the most unique and captivating songwriters and I had to see the band in its full glory. I went into the show a bit skeptical because tour rust leading to a lack of energy might have set in. However, as soon as they played Summer Babe as the third song on their setlist I immediately realized this band had not missed a single step. The band sounded amazing, the drums and guitars creating a barrage of sound for Stephen's deadpan vocal delivery.

The setlist seemed to move really fast as they played through Unfair, Here, Harness Your Hopes, and Shady Lane in the first ten songs. All of those Pavement essentials sounded incredible in the Chicago Theater. This band's demographic was hilarious too down to middle age dedicated fans, father-son duos, and teenagers who have found this band on their own. Pavement has done an amazing job of modernizing its sound for this generation of indie fans by touring to remind fans and newcomers just how great they truly are. Grounded was one of the biggest highlights for me as Stephen's guitar intro to that song is heartwrenching and it feels like one of the most contemplative Pavement songs.

The band's encore consisted of a Jim Pepper cover, Silence Kid, and Cut Your Hair and after 26 songs they left everyone wanting more. Down to the background visuals, how tight the band sounded, and the authenticity they played through these tracks, it was great to see how much attention the band played to detail still. So late in their career, they are still proving themselves to stand out among a sea of indie bands and making it look effortless too.