The dimly lit stage of John & Peter’s, a historic New Hope, PA haunt, was the perfect crucible for an evening of genre-bending sounds, capped by the singular vision of JD Pinkus and his band, Triptych. A legend known for his foundational work with the Butthole Surfers and Melvins, Pinkus and his cohort offered a deeply immersive sonic journey.
The night kicked off with a captivating set from folk singer Yuri Gohen, who alternated dobro and banjo and offered a set that brought O Brother, Where Art Thou? vibes and sat on the fine line between bluegrass and Celtic music. Accompanied by Anthony Carlson on fiddle, Gohen performed tunes from his latest release, Who Killed Cock Robin? Next came Reeder Station, a local power pop trio consisting of James Seward (guitar, vocals), Brad Smith (drums), and Steve Garvey (bass, vocals), of Buzzcocks fame. The band brought the raw energy of early Cheap Trick and the intelligent urgency of the Replacements—but tighter—as it injected a jolt of energetic, hook-laden rock, driven by a sludgy, propulsive bassline that gave the melodies a satisfying weight. Reeder Station closed its set with a cover of the Dead Boys’ blistering punk rock anthem, “Sonic Reducer”, and left the crowd ready for the main event.
By the time JD Pinkus and Triptych took the stage around 10:45 p.m., the atmosphere in John & Peter’s was primed for something unique. Barefoot and remarkably relaxed, Pinkus took the stage flanked by Mark Pierce (upright bass), Richard Kirby (drums), and Billy Sheeran (piano, vocals). Picking up where Reeder Station left off, Pinkus and company opened the set with their own punk original “Thumb War”.
Pinkus and Pierce, armed with an array of stomp boxes, generated otherworldly sounds from their respective acoustic instruments. The set unfurled with an initial sense of spaciousness, characterized by a slow, almost melancholic waltz that quickly blossomed into something more animated, shifting gears into an upbeat, driving rhythm that evoked a playful sense of camaraderie. Pinkus coaxed a remarkable range of sounds from his banjo, creating textures that seemed to exist beyond the conventional boundaries of folk or rock.
The performance meandered through various sonic landscapes. There were moments of straightforward, grinding rock, punctuated by Pinkus’ signature vocal delivery. Other times, the music would dissolve into hypnotic drones, reminiscent of inner contemplations. Pinkus’ stage banter was a highlight, marked by his dry wit and unexpected declarations, offering off-the-cuff perspective on everything from mushrooms to masturbation.
Related: Dean Ween Praises The Psychedelia Of The Butthole Surfers In Clip From New Doc [Watch]
Tracks from his latest album, Grow a Pear, featured prominently, including songs reportedly conceived for a never-materialized Butthole Surfers project. Numbers like “If I Could Read My Mind” and “Shovel” showcased the band’s ability to weave intricate, sometimes noisy, tapestries while retaining a compelling groove. The latter, in particular, had a discernible funk undercurrent that defied easy categorization. As the set progressed, Pinkus’ foray into heavy effects on his banjo became more pronounced. A solo piece toward the end, bathed in sonic washes and loops, felt deeply introspective and almost ambient, as if offering a direct auditory window into the artist’s own mind.
The night concluded with a powerful crescendo, including a rendition of Gillian Welch’s “Ruby” with Pinkus offering a simple, plinked lead melody that was a moment of understated beauty. The band performed “Foot Stop”, typically a solo banjo piece, and transformed the small venue into a swirling, energized pit, a fitting end to a show that masterfully blended raw power, instrumental dexterity, and an unshakeable artistic vision.
JD Pinkus and Triptych delivered an unmistakable and memorable experience, showing how sometimes, the most profound musical statements come from the most fearless of minds.
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Pinkus’ next show isn’t until October 12th when he surfaces in Cave Spring, GA. Find tickets here and stream Grow A Pear on Bandcamp.
Setlist: JD Pinkus & Triptych | John & Peter’s | New Hope, PA | 6/14/25
Set: Thumb War, Pussyfoot Down, If I Could Read My Mind, Lemme Try Again, Happy Cow, Ooglin’, Slow Crawl, I Like The Way You Have Fun, Shovel, I Forgot To Tell Ya, Broke, Soaked, and Dirty, Ruby (Gillian Welch), Foot Stop, Lickin’ Butterflies, Gittin’ It, Everybody’s Talkin’ (Freddie Neil), Short Straw, Baby Bird, Pissin’ Dirty, Bride of Crankenstein (Melvins)