The Thermals @ Pitchfork Music Festival 2009

At a festival sponsored by a website (that can at times be slightly pretentious), the Thermals didn’t let its surroundings get in the way from laying down one of the most fun and carefree sets of the weekend. While there was no shortage of über-serious sets this weekend, the Thermals played a bouncing and lively show under a (rare) sunny blue sky Sunday afternoon. The band’s set was augmented by various covers, including Sonic Youth’s “100%” which kicked off the performance, something that wasn’t seen nearly enough over the course of the weekend. I always think festivals are great chances for bands to try something new or different, but it seemed that most played pretty close to the script at Pitchfork.

Over the course of its 45 minute set the Thermals also blasted through mid-’90s classics “Sappy” by Nirvana, “Saints” by the Breeders and “Basket Case” by Green Day. Other highlights included the band’s “Returning to the Fold,” “Pillar of Salt” and the excellent set closers “No Culture Icons” and “Now We Can See.” Lead singer Hutch Harris and bassist Kathy Foster bounced around stage with vigor and enthusiasm and really entertained the large crowd which gathered for the set. Always enjoyable, the band’s set ended up being a great start to what turned out to be an amazing night of music.

[Review by Josh Keller, photos by Jon Behm.]

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Also: The Thermals, the Shaky Hands & Point Juncture @ Triple Rock Social Club