Walking into Union Park on Saturday was like working through a hangover I acquired without ever actually being drunk. Despite being dehydrated, and maybe just a little bit cranky, day two of Pitchfork held a lineup full of impressive acts that was even better than I had originally expected. It proved that Pitchfork really is a great platform for up and coming bands to generate a larger following (more specifically Sun Airway and Twin Shadow).
Sun Airway, who played the Blue Stage at 1:45 PM, might be my top pick for “Artists to Watch” from Pitchfork 2011. Although Sun Airway’s debut album, Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier, dropped nearly a year ago they still seem to be reasonably unknown throughout the music community. Their sound is filled with reverbing melodies and synth which leaves them sounding like a more coherent version of Animal Collective (I say that loosely because I really don’t think this is a band that you’ll be able to pigeon hole with a label). They were fun to watch, even in the heat, with all members of the band in tune with each other. All of this has quickly made Sun Airway a potential for my new summer obsession.
Wild Nothing who followed Sun Airway at the Blue Stage were fun to watch in a similar vein, a full piece band playing a solid set. Now, I didn’t know too much about Wild Nothing going into Pitchfork but was surprised to hear that they are actually a one-man band consisting of lead singer Jack Tatum. Seeing them live, it really felt like every member present was an integral addition to the sound and overall feel of the performance. They’re also an act that I would recommend to keep an eye out for in the next year.
Gang Gang Dance and Twin Shadow were hands down was the most entertaining acts to watch all weekend. There was so much energy on stage and Gang Gang Dance even had a shaman burning sage during the show. It’s acts like these that really make or break a festival because why go see someone live if they’re boring, might as well save your cash and stay home.
I’ll try not to drool too much about Fleet Foxes who closed out the second day of Pitchfork. Seeing Fleet Foxes live is something I would recommend to anyone who enjoys their genre of music because hearing the members harmonize is something that really creates a higher understanding of what talent is out there. They started off their set with older songs and slowly transitioned into newer material ending with the title track off of their newest album Helplessness Blues. Robin Pecknold’s lead vocals are more than enough to give you chills and take you to a place that isn’t filled with drunk bros with laser pointers (yeah, Pitchfork attracts those guys too). Fleet Foxes, in addition to the aforementioned acts, were the perfect culmination to my favorite day at Pitchfork to date.
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