Peach Pit performs at the Fillmore in San Francisco, on March 14, 2022. Photos courtesy Tiffany Von Walter.

SAN FRANCISCO — Peach Pit played an entrancing indie rock show at the Fillmore on Monday; the first of a two-night stand. The quartet is currently on tour supporting its third studio album, From 2 to 3. The performance evoked road trip vibes underscored by wavy tones. Shades of pop and surf rock swirled together to create a warm, trippy atmosphere.  

Peach Pit kicked off with fan favorites from past years. “Peach Pit” exhibited the band’s range of sounds with an electric guitar lick that was at times reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.” Next, the band unearthed psychedelia and surf rock roots with “Psychics in LA,” from 2020 album You and Your Friends.

The band continued to travel through its catalog with “Techno Show.” The standout track from 2017 debut album Being so Normal highlighted lead guitarist Christopher Vanderkooy, who flexed his funky playing with a sultry solo. 

“Up Granville” began with a smooth, dreamy electric guitar riff that was backed by an acoustic guitar. The easy-listening mood went hand in hand with the drug-themed lyrics. “Even at the cocaine continental, laughing at the way you cut your lines, halving all of everybody’s bag, and bucking up the time,” Neil Smith sang. Vanderkooy picked a groovy, upbeat solo that left smiles on the faces of his bandmates.

Drugs were a common lyrical motif on From 2 to 3, reflecting a party hard attitude. “Vickie” fit the mold of a time-honored ballad about the girl next door. “If you lived right down the street, would I ever have to buy more weed when I’m low?” Smith intoned. “Look Out” was on par with a Jack Johnson tune. Smith’s romantic voice fused with an acoustic guitar that transported listeners to an island in the sun. “Give Up Baby Go” again aligned dreamy soundscapes on the guitar with a steady drumbeat. If this is Peach Pit’s formula, then it’s found a sweet spot. After concluding its main set, Peach Pit came out for an encore and jammed with “Tommy’s Party.”  

The title track “From 2 to 3” was notably missing from the set.  

Opener Haley Blais received a warm welcome for “Coolest fucking bitch in town.” Blais had technical issues with her guitar and asked Smith from Peach Pit (who was off stage) for his. Blais then played an entertaining cover of “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer.