Power to the Pop: Sharp Pins and Te Vista in Philly

Samantha Blyn
2 days ago
2 min read

Jerry’s on Front holds about 50 people, and its entrance is not immediately obvious. When I finally found the door and walked inside, it felt like I was in on a secret. Chicago’s Sharp Pins were bringing their shimmery, lo-fi power pop to the tiny space for two sold out shows.

I had my eye on the second performance of the night, which was being opened by South Jersey janglers Te Vista. With the release of their debut album, House, at the end of December, Te Vista introduced the audience to some newer songs mixed in with those from their previous EPs. While the band’s influences seem to lean 60’s and 70’s, with elements of The Byrds and Big Star, their sound remains fresh and exciting. “Lies” from House was a standout, combining jangle pop choruses with garage-punk verses and guitar riffs. Stylistically, Te Vista was a perfect choice to open this show and prep the room for the ‘Pins.

Technically a solo project, Kai Slater’s Sharp Pins looked like something from another time, and it totally made sense. As soon as the band started playing, it was clear that none of it was a gimmick, least of all the music. Playing a mix of old and new (although, their third and most recent album, Balloon Balloon Balloon, was released only two years after their debut), Sharp Pins put on a timeless show. Their recorded music is both lo-fi and polished, which translated to a distinct rawness when played live. Kai’s 12-string electric guitar immediately brightened up the dark room. Even though Sharp Pins’s style of catchy power pop sounds straight out of the mod era, it’s fresh and original. For my money, “Popafangout” should be added to the list of great made-up rock and roll words.

The show and the Sharp Pins themselves felt wholly unique. Rather than feeling like an imitation of the bands that inspire them, they proved that music and spirit is still very much alive.