Sunflower Bean’s Enchanting Return to Mississippi Studios
Words & photos by Jenny Shackleton
Sunflower Bean returned to Mississippi Studios in Portland, OR, on June 9th, almost three years to the day since their last performance at the same venue. Having first seen them in 2016 at Kung Fu Necktie in Philadelphia, I’ve had the pleasure of watching them grow over the past decade. Being the same age as the band members, it feels like we’ve grown up together. Now in our late 20s, the confidence radiating from each member is palpable, and they have truly embraced a sound that is uniquely their own after experiencing life’s ups and downs.
The venue’s lighting stayed on the darker side, which made it easier to focus on the music. Julia’s booming bass lines and Nick’s intricate guitar solos were mesmerizing, while Olive kept the rhythm in the back, almost putting the audience in a trance. The crowd was diverse in age, a testament to Portland’s music scene where people listen to what they love rather than following social norms. On stage, Nick and Julia displayed great chemistry, almost like they were ping-ponging energy back and forth. Their setlist included tracks from their latest album, Mortal Primetime, such as “Who Put You Up To This?” mixed with older fan favorites like “Easier Said” from their debut album.
Sunflower Bean’s latest album, Mortal Primetime, released on April 25th, has been met with widespread critical acclaim. The album, their first self-produced record, reflects their journey through personal challenges and transformations over the past three years. With mixing by Caesar Edmunds and engineering by Sarah Tudzin, the album blends alternative rock, dreamy psychedelia, and arena-sized ambition to create a sound that is undeniably theirs. As the night ended with my ears ringing, I couldn’t help but hope that they don’t wait another three years to return. Their live shows, known for their blistering energy, are not to be missed, and this performance was no exception.
Jenny Shackleton (she/her) is a photographer based in Portland, OR, originally hailing from Philadelphia, PA. Her love for live music started over 15 years ago after seeing the Jonas Brothers perform on their Burning Up tour in 2008 and the rest is history. As a naturally shy person, it’s surprising she feels so comfortable at concerts with hundreds of people attending, but has always believed that they are special, somewhat liminal, spaces. Everyone is there for the same reason: to have the best night and see artists pour their souls’ onto the stage. That is what Jenny likes to capture in her photos. Jenny enjoys spending time outside with her partner and their dog, watching movies, and owning way too many sneakers.