Show Review: MJ Lenderman Kicks Off Pitchfork Weekend
Photo and Review By Yailene Leyva
Check out more photos of MJ Lenderman’s sold out Chicago show here!
Night one of Pitchfork’s three day music festival in Chicago was capped off by a handful of aftershows and MJ Lenderman headlined a rocking aftershow at Lincoln Hall. Lenderman who also plays in the indie band Wednesday released their own EP “Mj Lenderman” back in 2019. Lenderman later went on to release their 2021 label debut album “Ghost of Your Guitar Solo”, followed by EP “Knockin” and latest album “Boat Songs” with Dear Life Records.
The Asheville, NC artist was set to play Schubas but was later upgraded to the 500 people capacity venue Lincoln Hall which quickly sold out, making it Lenderman’s biggest show they’ve played thus far with the crowd spewing out of the venue’s back doors.
The night started out with Nashville band Styrofoam Winos - who complimented Lenderman’s sound really well and was entertaining seeing the members rotate instruments and lead vocals throughout the set, even bringing out one of Lenderman's band members for a couple songs.
MJ Lenderman took the stage and thanked the crowd for staying out late, as their performance started around 11pm. Starting off with his latest single “Rudolph”. Although it was a late show, that did not stop the crowd from bopping along to the fuzzy, riffy, rock ‘n’ rock distorted tune. The energy carried out through the whole set, which Lenderman confessed they were making up on the spot as they were going. Which, in my opinion, added an element of spontaneity and creativity to the performance. It's admirable that they can deliver such a memorable performance in that way.
The crowd was lively and fully engaged to every story, hazy guitar riff and bits of pedal steel - dancing to twangy, upbeat songs such as “TV Dinners” and “You Have Bought Yourself A Boat” and singing and swaying along to slower songs “Someone Get The Grill Out of The Rain” and “Catholic Priest”.
Lenderman ended the show by bringing out opening band, Styrofoam Winos, to join for the last couple of songs. One of the songs being a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Long Black Veil” then ending the show with “Tastes Just How It Costs” from his latest album “Boat Songs”.
Lenderman delivered an incredible, what I love to call, “Y’allternative” performance that reminds me of my appreciation and love for music. Everything about the performance gave me the comfort of hanging out with my best friends on a beautiful, sunny summer day and for that reason, I would highly recommend checking out MJ Lenderman as they wrap up the summer:
Aug 3-6 - Happy Valley, OR @ Pickathon Fest
Aug 8 - Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy + Harriet’s
Aug 10 - Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room
Aug 25 - Port Townsend, WA @ Thing Fest
Sept 23-24 - Accord, NY @ Woodsist Fest
