11:11

"On Pinegrove's new album 11:11, the New Jersey band deliver 11 tracks of their reliably twangy, heart-on-sleeve rock 'n' roll, Hall's focus has shifted from inward to outward, and his message has evolved from contemplative to comforting ... Much of 11:11 seems to be inspired by our familiar, accumulating stressors: Climate change and indifferent politicians ("Orange"), racial reckoning and American decline ("Habitat"), personal failure ("Let") and cluttered minds ("Iodine"). In all cases, Hall's lines are sung with his typical open-hearted warmth, not to mention his charming vocal rasp. He has a unique way with words, leaning heavily on homophones, slant rhymes and alliteration, and he is an evocative singer ... The greatest strength of Pinegrove's music, however, has always been the band's scruffy and unhurried sound, which draws from both the twang of Americana and the palpable passion of emo. On 11:11, they get the blend just right over and over again".

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"11:11 is Pinegrove's first studio album since Marigold in January 2020. It finds bandleader Evan Stephens Hall reacting to a number of sociopolitical issues weighing heavily on his and many others' minds in the interim, including the onset of a prolonged pandemic, worsening climate change, and unresponsive politicians ... Throughout shifts in tempo, density, and electrification, Hall's bittersweet melodies are as affecting as his internal rhymes. Pinegrove has yet to deliver a clunker, and 11:11 should be a welcome addition to any fan's regular rotation, in addition to offering a few gems for anyone partial to a tuneful, earnest protest song".

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