Grammy Award-winning musician, Mitch Rowland, has spent years honing his craft— whether it be in tiny nightclubs of L.A., on stadium stages with the world’s biggest pop star, or now, on his first headlining tour. Rowland performed at The Sinclair in Cambridge, MA on Sunday, March 10, to a packed house that fell on either sides of his demographical spectrum: teenage girls and middle-aged men, all eager to lose themselves in his hypnotic music.
Prior to the release of his debut album, 2023’s Come June, Rowland spent years on the road and in studio with Brit-pop superstar Harry Styles. Co-writing, recording, and touring as Styles’ guitarist and all-around right-hand-man, Rowland’s musical influence spanned far and wide. Embracing the gaggles of young fans that flock to his shows in hopes of tying the invisible string between themselves and Styles, other fans gravitate to Rowland’s minimalistic, laid-back style that resembles the alternative rock of the late 90s paired with the acoustic folk of the 70s.
Opening the set with the mellow “See The Way You Roll,” songs like the rollicking “Bluebells” and churning “Illusionist” easily followed suit. Lit with dim lamplight, as if inviting us into his living room, Rowland transformed the nightclub into an intimate space full of cozy melodies and enticing instrumentations. Throughout the set, Rowland and his band demonstrated their expert skills, from primed finger-picking on acoustic numbers, to impassioned drumming and rhythmic explorations, to shredding in more boisterous moments of musical revelry.
Tracks “When It All Falls Down” and “The One I Love” beautifully captivated the audience with Rowland’s hushed, whips of vocals and intricate compositions, while “Shadow Range” and “Here Comes The Comeback” portrayed a slightly more upbeat version of his signature style.
The essence of Elliott Smith is not lost on listeners, and fittingly so, as Smith’s long-time collaborator Rob Schnapf (Elliott Smith, Beck, Kurt Vile) leant his hand in Rowland’s solo endeavor. Recorded with the famed producer, Rowland’s music is leaps and bounds away from the arena-pop songs he has famously written. Instead, he delivers a stripped-back, indie folk record that features backing vocals by Styles (“Here Comes the Comeback”) and lap steel by Ben Harper (“All the Way Back”).
Joined on stage by his wife Sarah Jones (drums), Matt Schuessler (bass), Aiden Finn (keys and guitar) and Rob Schnapf (guitar), the musicians filled out Rowland’s sound in a luscious soundscape that traipsed between soft acoustic numbers and swelling, Americana arrangements.
An impressively wide array of guitars were interchanged throughout the night, constantly switching between different makes and models for different variations on sound. One thing that remained ever-present throughout the show was the band’s overall impeccable tone. Ultra-specific to Rowland, he turns the concept of “indie singer-songwriter” on its head. His discography certainly maintains the same pace, though it is its subtle inflections that push it over the finish line.
With a stoic manner and delicate restrain, Rowland spoke quietly into the microphone, only periodically, to give a short quip on a song’s origins. Each song was performed with Smith’s signature blithe and whispery delivery, yet with a refreshingly modern take. Hints of psychedelia and blues tinged refrains and instrumental breakdowns, all while meandering through endless melodious pathways.
Nearing the show’s end, Rowland addressed the crowd with a curt sincerity that mirrored his nonchalant mannerisms. “It’s always a good feeling when you pull up to town for a sold out show,” he stated in a mumble. “Thanks so much for being here. We can’t stand up here and do this without you.”
Closing out the set with title track “Come June,” the band soon returned to treat fans to a sprawling cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Oh! Sweet Nothin’” that unleashed a fervent energy in each musician — a rush of adrenaline at the end of the race.
Mitch Rowland’s Come June is available everywhere now. Tickets to his North American tour can be found here.
Mitch Rowland Online: Website | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music
PHOTO GALLERY BY: Emma Gray
