By Emily Knoeppel, Third Year Liberal Arts
Aptly self-described as ‘off-the-cuff’, this cover group of five exude a controlled and charming chaos, the kind that only comes from the fun and busy whirlwind chemistry of a talented group that just click.
With a skilful hand at set list curations, they know their audience and aren’t afraid to throw them a ‘niche’ song or two. But, if we’re lucky, they might reunite after graduation as a full-on ABBA tribute band, a hypothetical and considered venture that, according to the band, would be ‘just as much if not more fun’.
Formed at the end of their first year, Pinstripe have had the pleasure of learning together as promising musicians. They’ve navigated amps turned to eleven, capo-less catastrophes, and a shared love for a beloved sound tech.
At their most basic, they are a group of five who enjoy playing songs together that others will enjoy – willing servants to the people’s setlist. This People’s Band are highly influenced, both individually and collectively, by British band royalty like The Smiths, The Beatles, Florence + The Machine, and The Kooks: a British, cacophonous cocktail of genres.
Don’t let the name fool you – Pinstripe is anything but parallel lines. They’ve merged into one unstoppable force of music, mind, and mayhem. Despite believing they might be ‘obnoxiously self-deprecating’, they are anything but.
From out of the ‘Doghouse’ they’ve worked their way on to the mainstage of big university events. Fans be warned, they can see everything you do in the crowd from love stories to fights. And yes, they saw you hold up your phone number. No, they’re just not interested.
So, who are the faces behind this unstoppable force?
Their guitarist, Johnny Marr enthusiast and aspirant, approaches his instrument with a nonchalance that drips rock ‘n’ roll – influences from The Smiths and Cocteau Twins apparent.
Their bassist – affectionately dubbed the ‘Paul of the group’ – is finally receiving the attention a skilled bassist deserves, even if that includes overzealous fans storming the stage mid-set and unfortunately unplugging his amp during a rare solo opportunity.
In the true Pinstripe spirit of this supergroup, their drummer simply appreciates playing music with his fellow band members. He’s often tucked away on a stage but a clear powerhouse – their metronomic heartbeat.
And then there’s their vocal duo; Pinstripe discovered the hidden power of two singers. Their male lead singer and guitarist has a gritty voice that could’ve fronted Stereophonics in another life. Whilst their female lead singer and pianist brings a delicate, haunting edge that hints at Birdy and Holly Walker, her folksy twang rounding out the band’s unique tone.
With graduation fast approaching, I ask where they see this band going. I’m met with a laid-back and non-committal response – the kind of answer that only musicians and soon-to-be graduates can deliver. However, collective twinkles of the eye suggest this isn’t the end of the line just yet for any of them, together or apart.
Featured Image: Fern WilsonDo you enjoy cover bands?
