11:11

11:11 marks a pivotal transition for Pinegrove, representing their first foray into a professional studio environment after years of home-recorded intimacy. Recorded primarily at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, the album benefits from the 'barn' acoustics and a more collaborative spirit, despite being tracked during the COVID-19 pandemic. The enlistment of Chris Walla for mixing was a deliberate move to achieve a 'messier' and more expansive sonic profile, moving away from the dry, tight production of 'Marigold.' Lyrically, Evan Stephens Hall shifts his focus from the internal self-examination of earlier records toward external crises, specifically the climate emergency and government apathy, as heard on tracks like 'Orange' and '11th Hour.' The album is the final contribution from founding drummer Zack Levine, making it a bookend to the band's original era. It was critically praised for its musicality and the seamless integration of Megan Benavente's remote bass contributions, which added a new melodic dimension to the band's sound.