The reanimation of Pike 27 is one of the most unlikely and welcomed Cincinnati-area band reunions in recent history (perhaps second only to The Warsaw Falcons’ recent resurrection). Few saw it coming, but many hoped for it, including the band’s dedicated fans and its creatively restless frontman Dave Purcell. Given his continued songwriting/performing pursuits during his seven-year stint at Kent State, the release of Pike 27’s exquisite five-song EP, Calling Out, is almost a fait accompli.
With Pike 27 reconstituted, the foursome booked gigs and reestablished their formidable live reputation, this time emphasizing Purcell’s longstanding R.E.M./Grant Lee Buffalo/Del Fuegos infatuation. Following a triumphant MidPoint gig, the band scored the opening slot for Alejandro Escovedo’s new side project, The Fauntleroys. With the release of Calling Out, 2015 could be Pike 27’s biggest year ever, with plans for more local dates, some limited touring and perhaps even a full-length album.
Pike 27’s EP release show is Saturday, Jan. 24, at Over-the-Rhine’s The Drinkery. More info: drinkeryotr.com.
This article appears in Jan 14-20, 2015.