Ahead of the release of their EP Doggy Paddle, I got the chance to see Shallow Alcove live at The Rockwell in Somerville, Massachusetts. Along with openers JOBIE and lighthearted, the night was full of heartfelt lyrics, sweet harmonies, and good vibes all around.
The night started off with local Boston artist JOBIE, who I saw last year opening for Leanna Firestone. Her lyrics are vulnerably honest and all-too-relatable. Being able to see her again was a pleasure. She performed a few unreleased songs that were new to both her and us, and her set was infused with funny anecdotes and one-liners.
Next up was lighthearted, a twin sister duo consisting of Gracie Huffman and Eliza Lemmon. Taking inspiration from both classic folk music and modern indie, their songs perfectly blend together their voices, characterized by sweet harmonies and lush arrangements. Most of their set was comprised of new songs, set to be released on their second album coming out later this year. Single from earlier this year, “borrowed,” was a standout of their set, with Eliza playing a lap steel guitar while standing up.
As Shallow Alcove walked on stage, everyone went quiet. The 5-piece group, consisting of Grace Krichbaum, Dan Harris, Peter Groppe, Jack Harrington, and Noah Dardaris, seemed to effortlessly blend as one as soon as they started to perform. The show opened with “Heart Shaped Locket,” a standout from their last EP–a nostalgia-evoking ballad about hometowns, growing up, and the passage of time. The live performance seemed even more special, elevated by wistful harmonies and a 12-string guitar. The song ends on a repetitive mantra, which seemed to serve as a comfort for everyone in the room.
The hard part is that time it passes
The best part is that time, it passes
The hard part is it never lasts
But the best part is just that you had it
The hard part is it never lasts
But the best part is just that you had it
The stage was decorated with slumber party props — pillows, blankets, a rug, and stuffed animals, including their infamous stuffed duck “Ducky.” They even wore pajamas and had sleep masks that Grace herself embroidered with everyone’s names. This only helped the environment feel even more cozy, which was perfect for a slumber party-themed show.
Shallow Alcove’s folk influences seemed even more present in their live show, and there was a constant rotation of instruments to back them up. A harmonica solo during “Macon” was a pleasant surprise, especially as it is an older song of theirs and it was able to have a more fleshed-out production. Additionally, the banjo is a staple in a lot of their songs, and it shined in songs like Dream Song and Music Box — reminding me of how special folk music is and how I love their fresh take to the genre.
They performed three songs for the first time — recent singles “Gnaw” and “Pampa, Tx,” along with EP title track “Doggy Paddle.” While they commented on how they were nervous, you wouldn’t have been able to tell. The songs were perfectly fused together, and it felt special to hear songs performed live for the first time. The final song, “We’re All Doomed,” was a great perfect ways to end the show, giving it a high moment to end on, being one of the few upbeat songs in their set.
Although they didn’t play a few songs I was hoping for, including “Wishes On Weeds” and “Old Bones,” the night was one that I greatly enjoyed. It was one of the most emotional concerts I have ever been to, and the environment felt comfortable and safe. The Slumber Party Tour continues throughout May, and Doggy Paddle is out on May 21st.
Listen to Shallow Alcove here:
nina
Born and raised in Los Angeles and now studying music industry at Berklee College of Music in Boston, you can find her going to a concert, crocheting, playing guitar, or reading a book (that is probably about music).
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