Aloha amigos! It’s about that time again, the time of sunscreen, heat exhaustion, water bottle lines, and stages on stages of fantastic jams. Oh yes, Free Press Summer Fest is upon us, and I personally have been counting down the months, days and hours!
Now we all know the headliners and have been catching up on their latest hits while also reviving the lyrics to our favorite oldies (if you’re like me, keeping our fingers crossed that they perform our playlist of jubilee); however, have you happened to check out the bands not caught in the mainstream? Well, just in case you decide to veer away from your pallet, I have compiled a list of such acts and would love to share some insight. Now, keep in mind that these are just SOME of MY picks, in no way, shape or form am I meaning to exclude YOUR favorites. If it is the case that I have committed such an injustice, I welcome you to email me so that I do not commit that crime come the days of the festival.
I must say that I am very excited to see some familiar names on the lineup. I have been attending FPSF since year one, and it’s always nice to see some familiar faces up on stage, hear the songs that reeled me in, and catch up with where they are now. It’s almost as refreshing as spotting some newbs and discovering that you really pick up what they are putting down. Call me crazy, but I do believe this year might have the potential to blow the last few out of the water (I had a blast and a half last year palling around backstage with Yeasayer and Mista JayTram, Sharon Jones, the boys from Beirut and standing stage right for Chromeo, so this year definitely has some big shoes to fill!)
Now down to business.
Saturday June 2, 2012:
The Sideshow Tramps: Here Comes the Party
I wanna hear you say yeah! I found these guys coming up on about 7 years ago, and man are they a stitch. If you dig homemade instruments, gypsy blues, and yelling VODKA!, then kick start your Saturday with these blokes! The Sideshow Tramps will be shakin’ things up starting around 12:20 on STAGE 1. I’m not kidding, make yourself get out of bed, park your vehicle of choice and RUN over to see these guys. It is definitely a show worth catching and a very good way to begin the festivities. If you don’t believe me, check for yourself. Here’s a link to their rad performance of “Freaks and Tramps” set in the backseat of a van. If you dig this acoustical version, head on over to their website and click “Extras” for a FREE download of the real thing.
The Eastern Sea: Folk and Roll
Welcome back fellas! These Houstonians packed up and moved to ATX but are home for the holidaze – THANK GOODNESS! These indie folk rockers have melodies that make you wanna meow. For reals, make sure to head on over to STAGE 7 @ 1:30. In the past couple of months, I have heard their name more times than I can count. I have yet to see these guys in action so I cannot account for their live sets; however, if they rock out live with as much power as on the record [which I’d be SHOCKED if that’s not the case], I say COUNT ME IN BOYS! Between their “lofty bass,” sweet harmonies, and mixture of maraca-kickdrum-tambourine magic, I’d say these folk artists stole my heart at track one. Need another excuse to check ‘em out? They’re releasing their new record, “Plague” next month and will be folking up the stage with fresh tracks from it. Be the first to hear it, and in the meantime try this on for size:
STRFKR: Synthesize Me Cap’n
Their name says it all. Rock on over to STAGE 1 @ 2:00 for a performance that has sold out previous shows across the nation. STRFKR is an intergalactic experience full of creative mash-ups of electronic buzz that when listening to it makes you forget that most of the sound is coming from actual instruments and not just a computer hooked up to a mixing board. I give it five thumbs up. Get this, they’re recording – maybe hear some NEW HITS?! There’s not much else to say about these kids, so I’ll just let their music speak for itself. Plug in. Listen up. Tune out.
Best Coast: My Momma Always Told Me There’d Be Bands Like You
These LA babies are headed down south and bringing us a new record to tap to. Yes, STAGE 2 is ‘The Only Place’ you should be @ 2:40. Best Coast is a pop-rock-a-licious band that spans decades with their delightfully blissful tunes. They are inspired by life, love and everything else –how bohemian, I love it! Haven’t had the chance to check them out yet? Their whole album is streaming on NPR accessible via their website – HOW CONVINIENT?! Meanwhile, check it:
Morris Day and the Time: Get Ready for a Real Good Time
I hope you wore your dancin’ shoes! These funkadelic, zoot suit wearing, Prince alter-ego groovers are sure to snap you into action and give you a cool breeze on this hot day. Yes, if you’ve ever seen ‘Purple Rain’ [what music lover hasn’t?!] then you’ve seen these men. Make sure to get on over to STAGE 1 @ 3:00 for a show you don’t wanna miss out on! Until then…
Phantogram: Show ‘Em Some Love
If you know me, you know of my love for duos and this is a FANTASTIC ONE! My favorite thing about these guys is that you would never guess there are just two of them, but Joshua and Sarah really bring it home. Make sure to bob your head on over to STAGE 2 @ 3:50 and show these New Yorkers some good ol’ Texas lovin’. Between the sweet murmur of her voice, the solid pull of the guitar and the synth that holds it all together, you’re in for one wild ride.
Glasnost: Elrocktronic
Welcome home boys! Super stoked to see these guys back in the H. It has been a while since I last caught them live, but Glasnost reminds me of everything great about the 80’s. Vogue on over to STAGE 7 @ 4:30 and maybe bring your glowsticks and body paint? I’ll definitely be front row for this one.
Maps and Atlases: Living Decorations
Beautiful musicians with hearts of gold, Maps and Atlases weave a blanket of sound with layers of fascinating harmonies, melodies, and textures. It’s hard to give their music a genre. It has a flute-like melody without the flute, and it synthesizes your soul and keeps you floating down their river of sound. Make sure to flow to STAGE 5 @ 5:30 to truly grasp what they are giving out.
The Riff Tiffs and Caddywhompus: The Return of Chris Rehm
Can I get a HELL YEAH?! The high schooler in me is drooling, literally. Yes, the rumors are true, and the Riff Tiffs are making a comeback! For all you kids out there who don’t know what I’m talking about, SHAME ON YOU and HOW DARE YOU call yourself a Houstonian. The Riff Tiffs were my favorite band in High School and continue to hold their own playlist on my iPod. To make things even better, Chris’ other project, Caddywhompus, is playing right after. [It’s kind of like one of those infomercial deals where they throw in a gift because you called at the right time, but this is actually something you need!] The music is awesome. I would describe it like the candy Pop Rocks – surprising, experimental, a little poppy and a little rocky. Oh man, STAGE 7 is the place to be [Riff Tiffs @ 6:30 + Caddywhompus @ 7:30] To add icing to the cake, Chris just released his solo album Elephant Ring – mmm delicious!
http://chrisrehm.org/elephant-ring/
Make sure to check back tomorrow for my Sunday picks and a little list of suggestions of items to pack! See you kiddos soon!
– Mer
Meridith Knight
This story is part of the
SHOUT IT OUT LOUD
music editorial column
by Meridith Knight.
meridith.knight [at] eadolife.com
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