Formed in the late 20-teens at Syracuse University, the band Shallow Alcove has made its way south and made waves in the indie-folk world in recent years. Divided geographically between West Philly and Brooklyn, the band makes heartwarming, introspective music that whispers deep feelings in your ear at the same time as it invites you up to dance. Comprised of lead vocalist Grace Krichbaum, banjo player Dan Harris, guitarist Peter Groppe, bassist Jack Harrington, and drummer Noah Dardaris, the band paid a visit to WXPN Studios recently, and we’re bringing you their performance as they get ready to embark on their next North American tour.
Shallow Alcove’s Key Studio Session showcases the band’s glorious four-part vocal harmonies at the same time as it presents a set of songs from its late 2023 release Keepsakes. The rollicking opener “Wishes On Weeds” is wrapped up in themes of friendship, nostalgia, and yearning; the very catchy rocker “Heart Shaped Locket” is about ditching old friends that don’t fit you anymore, which Krichbaum says is “hard, but good for you”; the closing “Dream Song” radiates gratitude and love towards an ex over a dreamy waltz tapestry. Lyrically, these songs come alive in the little details, like carrying keepsake photos and texting videos from a Coldplay concert, and the band’s nuanced playing compliments the music perfectly.
Shallow Alcove have released a handful of singles since Keepsakes, with more on the horizon for 2025. In the meantime, they head out on a late fall tour with The Staves that kicks off in Philadelphia at Underground Arts on November 6th. Get tickets and more information on that show at the XPN Concert Calendar, find full tour dates here, and watch Shallow Alcove’s Key Studio Session below.