AN ODE TO PINEAPPLE EXPRESS!

An Epic Tale of Rock, Raga, and Birthday Revelry: Shall we dive into the heart of the gig and the band that rocked my world?

Aparna S
ILLUMINATION
3 min readMar 20, 2024

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Photo by Filip Andrejevic on Unsplash

Imagine the best birthday ever. Now, amplify that feeling by a hundred. Got it? That was me and my brother, rocking out at a Pineapple Express concert on my 28th. A night so epic, words barely do it justice. But hey, I’m gonna try! This is my little tribute, an ode if you will, to the legends that are Pineapple Express. And guess what? It’s kinda cool thinking I might be among the first on Medium to spill the beans about this mind-blowing experience.

Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash

Pineapple Express, folks. If there was ever a band that could whisk you away to another universe, it’s them. Throughout the pandemic, when the world seemed to have hit the pause button, their tunes were my escape pod. Their music? An acquired taste, sure. But once you’re in, you’re in. And I fell head over heels.

Now, I know we all get a tad possessive about our music. Like, “No way, you can’t possibly appreciate them as much as I do!” kind of possessive. Well, that’s Pineapple Express for me. And here I am, breaking my own rule and shouting from the digital rooftops about how freakin’ awesome they are.

Photo by Lucas Alexander on Unsplash

When social gatherings became a thing of the past, Pineapple Express’s tracks “Passages” and “Uplift” were my lifeline. Their sound — dark, wild, beautiful, patient — it felt like home. It wasn’t just the technical brilliance or the lyrics; it was the vibe. Their music moved me, literally and metaphorically.

They make Kannada sound like the coolest language on earth, not to mention how they effortlessly flirt with multiple ragas. The rhythm, the growth — it’s all there in their four-track EP Passages, showcasing the powerful, refreshing elements that this band is all about.

Photo by Yannis Papanastasopoulos on Unsplash

And let’s talk about their style — no holds barred progressive music, a wild mix of Carnatic, Rock, Metal… ? it’s like a musical treat that you didn’t know you needed until you’re right in the thick of it. Pineapple Express has this knack for experimental tunes, building a brand that’s best felt live.

It’s not just about the music, though. It’s also about growing up with Carnatic Music, learning to appreciate the niche, the intensity, the aggression in their tracks. Their music is a testament to the importance of enjoying and experiencing every beat, every note.

Photo by Derek Truninger on Unsplash

So, yeah, missing our girls (Abhi and Anu) at the gig was a bummer. But the night? Unforgettable. Pineapple Express didn’t just perform; they transported me to a place of sheer joy and musical ecstasy. Here’s to the band that got me — and countless others — through the toughest times with their vibrant, life-affirming sound.

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Aparna S
ILLUMINATION

Hey folks! I talk about life, love, travel, branding, and much more! I am a lifelong learner and a multi-hyphenate!IG: aparnas2611 Email: aparnas2611@gmail.com