FIRST LA DATE OF THREE SOLD OUT SHOWS WAS TASTE OF NOSTALGIA

When I arrived at the Orpheum Theatre to a sold out crowd for the one and only Pavement, immediately I thought “everyone in this room deserves respect in my book.” One of the biggest indie rock bands of the 90s were finally back on a proper tour, having first delivering performances at Primavera Sound in Europe and a few intimate sets around the country. This show marked the second of the tour and the first concert in LA since May, earlier this year. The room was full of fans in band merch and some repping artists that fall into a similar category (including personal hero and photographer Atiba Jefferson), however Pavement’s sound is fully their own.

The staff were incredibly nice and helpful throughout the entire experience, offering earplugs and water as LA has been dealt a serious heatwave. The tour merchandise was simply amazing, with programs being sold (a hot item back in the 90s that I have no reason why artists stopped offering) as well as flag pendants that were specific to each LA date. Photographers were kept to both sides of the stage, with no photo pit access due to the seated nature of the venue. Openers Film School got the crowd energized for the main course, which took only about 20 minutes to come on.

I glanced over at some fans in their seats next to me, with one man scrolling through his tickets on his Ticketmaster app, having paid to see all three Pavement shows at the theatre. Then the lights went dark and everyone immediately rose from their seats and clapped, which I was happy about since I wouldn't be blocking anyone as I took photos. The band entered stage right with Stephen Malkmus following last. Scott Kannberg and Malkmus thanked the audience for coming before beginning the set with “In The Mouth A Desert.” It was a bang of a song to preface with, and like their San Diego show, they dusted off a few songs for those lucky enough to be in the room. Tracks like “We Dance” and “Lions (Linden)” were played for the first time since the band’s first reunion tour back in 2010.

One of my favorite moments came from Pavement choosing to play “Stop Breathing” which sounded a bit haunting but beautiful in only the way the band could make it come out. Their entire set was backdropped by colorful stock footage of hands playing with paint and clay animals running around, overlaid with text such as “children buried their parents.” I also loved the constant jokes and gags being shared on stage between band members which the audience was in on too. A recurring quip was when Mark Ibold, Kannberg, and Malkmus would introduce a classic track by saying “here’s a new one.” The fans were already in on the joke, considering the band’s latest release is a compilation album of remastered gems.

It’s great when a band can get picky with their set lists, making each night different and styled for no one but themselves and the hardcore fans who know every inch of their discography. This was one of those shows, and with each song being played, there were cheers and screams let out with the feeling of “yes, I can’t believe they’re playing this one.” My partner and I sung to “Major Leagues” and “Spit on a Stranger” while fans danced and swayed throughout the aisles. The band ended an almost two hour set with “Grounded” and “Range Life” to the appreciation of the audience. It was a sweltering night of musical performance, and I’m happy to cross off one of indie music’s shining examples that definitely influenced lots of Gen Z artists. I can only wonder what the set lists for the following nights will look like, and what legacy songs will be brought back into the spotlight. Check out the set list here!