Alex Ross Perry’s Documentary on Pavement Features Khyber Pass and Philadelphia Record Exchange Footage

Pavement, known for their distinct and influential sound in 1990s alternative rock, is the subject of a new documentary titled Pavements, directed by Alex Ross Perry. Unlike traditional music documentaries, Perry’s approach emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the band and its impact on music and culture.

The film delves into the legacy of Pavement, a group led by frontman Stephen Malkmus that produced five critical albums from 1992 to 1999, earning them a reputation as one of the most significant indie rock bands of their time. Perry, a native of Bryn Mawr, undertook an ambitious six-year project to capture the essence of Pavement, a band that he notes “contains multitudes.” His innovative filmmaking seeks to breathe new life into a genre often criticized for its predictability.

Pavements incorporates a rich tapestry of archival footage, including clips from the band’s 2022 reunion tour and their 1990s performances, such as their memorable mud-soaked show at the 1995 Lollapalooza. The documentary features appearances at iconic venues, highlighting Pavement’s relationship with Philadelphia, notably an in-store event at the Philadelphia Record Exchange.

In addition to performance footage, the film includes a meta-narrative with depictions from Perry’s own musical stage production titled Slanted! Enchanted! A Pavement Musical and a pop-up museum showcasing both real and fictional artifacts. Renowned musicians such as Alicia Bognanno of Bully, Lindsey Jordan of Snail Mail, and Sadie Dupuis of Speedy Ortiz contribute to the project, performing Pavement songs.

Perry’s ambition extends to blending documentary and narrative cinema, as evidenced by the film-within-a-film titled Range Life. Featuring noted actors like Joe Keery portraying Malkmus, this segment portrays a humorous exploration of Pavement’s unique place in the world of music.

A refreshing commentary on the band, the documentary reflects Perry’s fascination with how Pavement embodies the complexities of 1990s culture and media. The collaborative nature of the project, particularly with editor Robert Greene, results in a balanced portrayal that eschews typical hagiography in favor of an insightful, affectionate homage.

Pavements captures not only the essence of Pavement but also the disparate ways fans connect with the band. It highlights the duality in perceptions of their artistry—ranging from those who view them as carefree icons to others who interpret their work as meticulously crafted art. This multifaceted lens is part of what makes the film resonate, presenting a nuanced portrait of an influential band that shaped the sound of a generation.

The film is currently screening at the Philadelphia Film Society’s Bourse and PhilaMOCA, offering an opportunity for both long-time fans and newcomers to engage with Pavement’s legacy in a new light. More details can be found through Media News Source.