By Photojournalist Jeffrey Moellering
For progressive rock fans, attending The Pineapple Thief’s concert is like stepping into a world where emotion and technical brilliance become one. Their November 16th performance at the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater was no exception, offering a spellbinding journey through the band’s expansive discography.
The evening began with a special treat, featuring opening act Randy McStine, who is known as tour guitarist for fellow British prog-rock act Porcupine Tree, as well as collaborations with King Crimson band members, virtuoso guitarist Joe Satriani, his Lo-Fi Resistance project, and most recently as part of In Continuum, a prog/symphonic rock act. McStine’s style shares similarities with The Pineapple Thief, including dense lyrical content, melodic vocals, and sonic dynamics, relying on guitar and keyboard looping to create complex textures. It was a great warm-up for the main act.
We arrived early, and from the moment the venue doors opened, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, chatting in the lobby about the current tour and what we could expect from the show. The venue was intimate yet nearly full—a perfect setting for the band’s signature blend of lush soundscapes and introspective lyrics. The audience, a mix of longtime followers and curious newcomers, was united by a shared reverence for the band’s intense music, with many Tampa Bay area veteran musicians taking the night off and attending the show.
The band opened with “The Frost” from their acclaimed new album It Leads to This. Its brooding energy immediately drew the crowd into their intricate world. The setlist wove effortlessly between older classics like “Versions of the Truth” and newer tracks, showcasing their evolution over the years. Highlights included “In Exile”, with the crowd swaying to its haunting melody, and a powerful rendition of “Give it Back”. The encore brought a thunderous applause as they closed with “Alone at Sea”, leaving everyone on a high.
Bruce Soord’s vocals were as evocative live as they are on record, effortlessly conveying the raw emotion of the lyrics. His guitar work, intricate and commanding, was a masterclass in melodic restraint. Gavin Harrison’s drumming was a show-stopper, blending precision with an almost improvisational flair that left jaws on the floor. The interplay between Steve Kitch’s atmospheric keys and Jon Sykes’ rich basslines added depth to every track, creating a layered, immersive sound. I would call the music something that might happen if Coldplay was a progressive rock band. Great melodies and lyrics, interspersed with complex instrumental passages and interwoven syncopation, no single instrument overpowering another. All notes were in service to the song, with no band members taking extended solos, even though they were all clearly masters of their respective instruments.
The visual elements complemented the music beautifully. Dynamic lighting accentuated the shifts between melancholic ballads and soaring crescendos, while minimalist visuals on the backdrop let the music remain the focal point. The sound mix was on point, capturing the band’s nuanced arrangements without overpowering the vocals.
Despite the introspective nature of their music, the band connected warmly with the audience. Bruce Soord’s brief anecdotes between songs added a personal touch, making the night feel like an intimate gathering of friends.
The Pineapple Thief delivered a concert that was both technically impeccable and emotionally resonant. Their ability to craft an atmosphere that lingers long after the last note is a testament to their artistry. For fans of progressive and alternative rock, this was an unforgettable experience.
