The Pitchfork Music Festival returned once again to Chicago’s West Loop for the weekend of July 21-23. Now the third running of the event since it was canceled due to the pandemic in 2020, a sense of relief permeated the air.

The days kicked off with low-key acts, providing opportunities to peruse the Renegade Craft Market and CHIRP Record Fair. These two markets shared a tent and showcased smaller artists, creators, and record labels, imbuing a sense of local familiarity. Notable indie labels like Drag City and the all-female-run Worry Records represented artists both big and small. Festival-goers had the chance to browse through handmade pottery, posters, and various kinds of apparel.

As the weekend progressed, the atmosphere gradually transitioned into evenings featuring headliners like the Smile, JPEGMafia, Bon Iver, and Big Thief. Attendees of all ages, some with kids in tow, but predominantly white, and clad in thrifted clothing, filled each concert. The inclusion of a more diverse range of musicians seemed to have drawn people from all walks of life.

Day one: Alvvays, Leikeli47

Friday commenced on a strong note, setting a tough precedent for the subsequent days. Enthusiastic attendees arrived early, eager to soak in the festival atmosphere and experience their favorite artists up close.

One of the first major acts to take the stage was Alvvays, who mesmerized their massive audience with an indie music journey in the afternoon. Lead vocalist Molly Rankin exhibited a combination of powerful vocals and ecstatic guitar playing, creating a dreamy, alternative pop-rock sound that was nostalgic for the ’90s and early 2000s alt scene while also pushing boundaries towards the future. The crowd was thrilled to hear both songs from their 2022 album Blue Rev and old favorites like "Archie, Marry Me," making for a well-played and well-received set.

See Also: Alvvays create a dreamy atmosphere at First Avenue return

As day one transitioned into night, Leikeli47 graced the Blue Stage with a memorable performance that united the crowd. Known for her empowering and catchy rap, she performed hits like "Money," "Girl Blunt," and "Attitude." Her bedazzled ski mask added an air of mystery and iconography to her presence. Leikeli47's high-energy set, during which she even invited fans on stage to dance, fostered a sense of closeness and excitement. Her set concluded with her most popular classics, leaving the audience amped up.

Weyes Blood

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Day two: Weyes Blood, Big Thief

For Saturday, Weyes Blood shone as one of the standout acts of the day and, in retrospect, as one of the best acts of the entire festival. Despite weather delays, evacuations, and canceled shows earlier on, Weyes Blood’s Natalie Laura Mering managed to embrace the elements, incorporating the rain into her set in a remarkable manner. Dressed in a white cape on a candle-lit stage, she exuded an operatic aura, and her ensemble, complete with a glowing center in her chest, added to the captivating performance.

Her brooding vocals and intense lyricism drew comparisons to a modern-day Joni Mitchell. The downpour, seemingly conjured by the singer herself, coincided perfectly with the peak of her set, creating a magical ambiance. As the performance concluded, she gratefully tossed white roses into the crowd, a gesture appreciated in a festival atmosphere that can often feel rushed. Weyes Blood turned day two around, transforming the rain from a downer into something enchanting, perfectly setting the stage for Big Thief.

See Also: Weyes Blood glows with grace at First Avenue

Big Thief faced high expectations as the day two headliner. After the rain initially dampened spirits, the band's experimental rock-folk sound won the audience over.

Adrianne Lenker, the band's lead vocalist, greeted the audience with a deceptively timid speaking voice, but she quickly astonished them with her powerful vocals. The set felt unique and intimate, with small mistakes and sound requests becoming the norm, adding to the sense of vulnerability and authenticity. The band ventured into new lyrics, played unreleased music, and took winding instrumental breaks, all while mixing in the much-anticipated songs from their latest album, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You, and their highly regarded single, "Vampire Empire."

Closing out their set with one of the most joyous songs from their latest album, "Spud Infinity," Big Thief even brought Lenker's younger brother on stage, who played the jaw harp, a key feature of the song. The folk-infused, happy song had the crowd bopping along, concluding the evening on a high note.

Big Thief

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Day three: Bon Iver

The final day of the festival exuded a notable sense of calm and ease, with people settled into the routine and Sunday's recovery made even more delightful after Saturday's rain. Acts like Jockstrap and Florist served as relaxed highlights of the day, and rather than jostling for front-row spots, people opted for a more laid-back approach, lounging on blankets.

Nevertheless, a few energetic acts injected some heat back into the festival. JPEGMafia and Illuminati Hotties brought an energetic buzz to their respective audiences. As the afternoon transitioned into evening, acts like Koffee and Kelela guided their audiences through lyrical and instrumental breaks. After their performances, seemingly everyone gravitated towards the main stage to catch the final act of the show, Bon Iver.

Bon Iver, hailing from Eau Claire, Wisc., had amassed a following of dedicated indie-folk fans. Led by Justin Vernon, their sound had evolved into a deconstructed folk style, woven into synth-heavy vignettes and rock-heavy instrumentals. They began with songs from their 2019 album i,i and proceeded to perform some of their older, more well-known music, including "Lump Sum" from their 2008 debut album For Emma, Forever Ago and a series of songs from their 2016 album 22, A Million. The crowd passionately sang along in unison to their most streamed song, "Skinny Love."

Each song felt unexpected and flowed seamlessly. The die-hard crowd was thrilled as songs appeared seemingly out of nowhere, leaving a lasting impression of excitement.

The group concluded their set with a Midwestern graciousness, urging concert-goers to get home safely. Fans dispersed, still buzzing with excitement, grabbing the last of the weekend's merchandise. It was a fitting conclusion to the wholesome, alternative festival, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating the next year's event.