Ranging from lo-fi rock epics to strummed acoustic numbers that blend lonesome rural tones with desperate suburban ennui, Everything So Far is a testament to a band that sounded original out of the gate.
Everything So Far does a nice job in charting the Pinegrove’s progression into the bookish and lovelorn brand of indie rock they later perfected on Cardinal, marked out by vocalist Evan Stephens Hall’s quavering tenor and perambulating and pleasingly funny guitar lines.
On this sprawling collection of their recordings preceding 2016’s breakthrough album, Cardinal, they sometimes sound less sure of their musical direction. But its scrappily charming recent-history snapshots reveal a band of exploratory instincts, prepared to wear hearts on sleeves.
While it does feel like this album would benefit from some tracks being cut, the vocalists' passionate and emotive vocals, the melancholy chord progressions and the loose grooves makes for a memorable and distinct indie-rock record.
A great compilation that served as an excellent introduction to Pinegrove for me. Such a moreish, charismatic sound with moments of nostalgic beauty.
Favourites: Need 2, New Friends, Unison, Days
Least Favourites: Overthrown