Something in the water: For those who rarely catch local bands unless they happen to be opening for a national act, make Nevada City’s Pinnacles an exception.
Regular concertgoers know there’s already something special in this region and its surrounding areas: Dan Elkan from Broken Bells once played in the now-defunct Them Hills; Zach Hill from Death Grips started Legs On Earth; Joanna Newsom got her start playing tiny cafes and local venues; and let’s not forget about power trio E V Kain and Jonathan Hischke.
And while there are countless other lesser-known examples we could cite without referencing Wikipedia, the best way to find out about them is to get out more often.
Pinnacles are a professional-sounding yet unsigned quartet who have practiced and perfected their craft well before ever stepping onto a stage. Now with multiple albums under their collective belt, they’re a huge draw in Nevada City and its immediate area.
Still, they’re assigned the early slots in Sacramento. Led by vocalist-guitarist Justin Hunt and guitarist-vocalist Robbie Landsburg, the band played a short but sweet opening set on Sunday at Starlite Lounge, ending with a track called “Better than the Enemy.”
Aided by the rhythm section of bassist Jesse Kinseth and drummer Zach Peach, Pinnacles’ post-rock and progressive sound works wonders in a live setting. They displayed a keen sense of dynamics and musical fortitude without sounding dated—like an early Police before that band became a stadium-sized phenomenon.
(SN&R)