An Intimate EP Release Show
Article written and photos by Natalie Ryan
On February 21st, friends and fans squeezed into a small room with a slightly raised stage inside the bustling Chinese restaurant that is Genghis Cohen in Los Angeles, California. Outside the establishment, a screen printed 7” vinyl variant of Pile of Love’s new EP “Super Sometimes” (limited to 34) was being sold, along with other POL merch and friendship bracelets. “Super Sometimes”, released on December 22nd, 2023, is Pile of Love’s second EP, coming after their self-titled 2021 debut album and 2022 EP “Flake on the Future”. Los Angeles–based band Pile of Love consists of Morgan Foster (Mobin’s Child), Ryan Scott Graham (State Champs, Speak Low, Being Around), Kevin Geyer (The Story So Far, Same Side, Elder Brother), Nick Cogan (Drug Church, Militarie Gun), and Chris Villeneuve (Drug Church). Considering how busy everyone in the band is with their other projects, it’s notable that they’ve consistently put out music for the last three years. Personally, I really enjoy “Super Sometimes", along with their other work, and I wouldn’t object if this trend were to continue.
Before Pile of Love took the stage, local California bands Same Side and Object of Affection warmed up the crowd. Shoegaze alt-rock band Same Side was first, kicking off the night with music easy to listen to, while having poetic lyrics about the darker side of life. Object of Affection was even louder, nearly drowning out the soft vocals with high energy guitar and drums. Both groups were doing more than enough for the crowd to get into the music, having been fans previously or not. Everyone in the room was happy to be playing, listening, and being in the moment.
Find Same Side and Object of Affection at their individual links below:
After the two bands finished, Pile of Love came out with their song Happy to Hide, one of the four tracks on “Super Sometimes", displaying their power pop-rock strengths right out of the gate. Listening to their studio album and EPs, the vocals are gentle and easy, and the music is guitar forward with exciting riffs. I think it’s perfect music to drive to, like 90’s soft rock. Live, they like it loud. I wish I had remembered my earplugs! This didn’t negatively affect my experience, as I was just happy to be there. Between taking breaks from shooting I took time to enjoy my favorite songs of theirs, including Apart of You, which they played midway through.
At their core, Pile of Love is just a bunch of guys that love to make music and it’s crystal clear to see that love when they are playing. I caught so many moments of different members smiling at the crowd, each other, and to themselves, just enjoying their time so much. I watched Same Side and Object of Affection do the same, so POL was obviously in good company. Pile of Love finished out their set with Song 2, followed by Over & Out, which both have some of my favorite guitar playing, and are just really groovy songs to jam to. I hope to see Pile of Love continue to release music and play shows, and I’m really glad I got to go to this show. Check them out if they ever come to a city near you!
