A Unique Experience at Pappy and Harriet’s
When I found out that Young the Giant, one of the standout indie rock bands of the past 15 years, would be performing a smaller show at Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown, I was excited. This venue, with its capacity of 850 people, is a hidden gem in the high desert. While the band has played larger venues like Fenway Park, which was an opener for The Lumineers, the intimate setting of Pappy and Harriet’s made this event particularly appealing.
However, my excitement was tempered when I learned that the show would be part of an “acoustic tour.” Acoustic performances are not typically my favorite way to experience a band. I worried that some of the more energetic tracks, such as “Superposition” and “Heat of the Summer,” might lose their impact in a stripped-down format. But what unfolded was far from a traditional acoustic set.
Instead, the band took a creative approach, capturing the essence of the concept by playing more stripped-down and improvisational versions of their songs while still allowing the guitarists to switch between acoustic and electric instruments. This method brought a fresh energy to the performance and allowed the audience to appreciate the band's talent in a new light.
A Captivating Performance
Frontman Sameer Gadhia delivered a powerful and energetic performance throughout the 18 songs the band played. His vocal prowess shone through, making it clear that the live experience would be hard to match on Spotify. Tracks like “Superposition,” “Mind over Matter,” and “Cough Syrup” had the crowd moving and singing along, despite the laid-back atmosphere.
But it was during the lesser-known or newer tracks that Gadhia truly impressed. His vocal intensity was evident in the unreleased song “Ships Passing” and the haunting finish of “Tonight.” These moments highlighted his versatility and deep connection to the music.
Gadhia’s energy was infectious, especially during the breaks between songs. He filled these moments with thoughtful and often poignant monologues that added depth to the performance. One such moment involved him sharing how the stripped-down vision for the tour and the accompanying EP, “In The Open Volume One,” came from the joy the band experienced while playing in open spaces across the U.S.
Philosophical Reflections
During one of these breaks, Gadhia recalled a memorable moment of playing atop the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. He also shared the story behind the song “Firelight,” which he dedicated to the people and ideas we wish to bring back. There were also quieter, beautiful moments, like when he paused to admire the moon shining brightly over the venue.
One of the most memorable monologues came before “Mind Over Matter,” where Gadhia spoke about the initial lack of positive reviews for the title track from their sophomore album. He expressed pride in the band’s refusal to compromise their artistic vision and gratitude for how things turned out. He noted that thanks to social media, the song has become one of the band’s most popular, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s art.
A Memorable Night
The wisdom of Gadhia’s words resonated with the crowd, as they roared to life to sing along to the “ooh oohs” in the “Mind Over Matter” chorus. Gadhia reflected on how thrilled the band’s 19-year-old selves would be to see the scene unfolding in the desert, at one of their favorite venues, on that early September night.
As the night concluded, it was clear that everyone in attendance was grateful for the unique and unforgettable experience. The combination of Gadhia’s vocal power, the band’s creativity, and the intimate setting made for a performance that will be remembered for a long time.
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