To prep for Boston Calling, which runs this Friday, Satuday and Sunday, we’re running artist-by-artist previews on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Friday, respectively. Capice? Capice.
Day 3: Sunday, Day of the Corresponding Allston Pudding Preview That Was Supposed To Run On Thursday, But Actually Ran On Friday, Which Also Marks The First Day of the Festival and As Such, This Preview Is Actually More Relevant
THE BOX TIGER
WHAT TIME IS/ARE HE/SHE/THEY ON:
1:05 PM
WHERE:
Red Stage
SIMPLIFIED GENRE:
Indie pop
THE FIRST THING I THINK OF WHEN I THINK OF THIS ARTIST:
Fucked-up jack-in-the boxes.
MOST INTERESTING ONLINE TIDBIT:
Via the Sonicbids blog:
“A good portion of our Set Fire album was funded by selling limited edition Dragonball Z DVDs that Jordan owned.”
That’s fucking awesome.
THOUGHTS:
Dudes were selected to play Boston Calling through Sonicbids, a process that might scream “Cleveland Cavaliers circa 2014 NBA Draft”-level of nepotism to some, but I’m actually ok with. A quick survey of their Bandcamp material reveals an act that has potential to surprise with strong indie rock sensibilities and interesting harmonies. I also like the Sonicbids process in general, software-wise (this message brought to you by Sonicbids™).
ESSENTIAL TRACK:
FESTIVAL PREDICTIONS:
A “Sonicbids” chant starts in full force; the band mentions Sonicbids twice; nothing but sunlight; the drummer doesn’t break any sticks.
TIGERMAN WOAH!
WHAT TIME IS/ARE HE/SHE/THEY ON:
1:40 PM
WHERE:
Blue Stage
SIMPLIFIED GENRE:
Whatever the fuck this is.
THE FIRST THING I THINK OF WHEN I THINK OF THIS ARTIST:
Lots of drinking, Chris “Birdman” Andersen of the Miami Heat, deer.
MOST INTERESTING ONLINE TIDBIT:
Via the band’s “About” section on the Facebook:
“The tiger family calls for the eternal spanking of snitches and the mass renunciation of the ego. We struggle for free beer and a epistemological breakthrough in the public consciousness surrounding stardust, creator of the cosmos.”
I…I think I’m in love.
THOUGHTS:
Seriously, watch the above video. There’s no conceivable reason why this set shouldn’t weird everyone out and I’m beyond pumped for it. I can only hope the next show for this band is at the combined weddings of the Duck Dynasty cast to the British Royal Family.
ESSENTIAL TRACK:
FESTIVAL PREDICTIONS:
Band beards outnumber crowd beards for the first time all weekend; someone shoots someone; banjos are wrecked; that hand puppet is crowned King of the Festival by Brian Appel.
THE DISTRICTS
WHAT TIME IS/ARE HE/SHE/THEY ON:
2:15 PM
WHERE:
Red Stage
SIMPLIFIED GENRE:
Not Tigerman Woah. Uh, I mean, slacker rock.
THE FIRST THING I THINK OF WHEN I THINK OF THIS ARTIST:
Nacho Libre, whether or not District 9 should have a sequel (the answer: fuck no).
MOST INTERESTING ONLINE TIDBIT:
None. They’re all interesting.
THOUGHTS:
This lead singer has a voice somewhere in between Krill and Manchester Orchestra, and if that doesn’t get your sinuses excited, then not even this god-awful May sniffles outbreak will. I’m getting the “deliciously mopey and badass” feel from these dudes, and I’m pretty stoked for it. When the ideal Sunday afternoon band of the fest fortunately plays on a Sunday afternoon, I’m pretty sure it’s a sign of some good vibes coming our way. The ball’s in your district, dudes. I’m on your side, for what it’s worth. Kick it.
ESSENTIAL TRACK:
FESTIVAL PREDICTIONS:
Much-needed onstage mustache shaving ensues if it hasn’t already; a disproportionate amount of people leave for the bathrooms; the remaining people angrily reprimand the returning bathroom-goers that they fucked up; good vibes on good vibes ensue.
KURT VILE & THE VIOLATORS
WHAT TIME IS/ARE HE/SHE/THEY ON:
3:05 PM
WHERE:
Blue Stage
SIMPLIFIED GENRE:
Hair. Uh, psychedelic.
THE FIRST THING I THINK OF WHEN I THINK OF THIS ARTIST:
Head and Shoulders, L’Oreal, Old Spice, Revlon, Jared Leto.
MOST INTERESTING ONLINE TIDBIT:
Via this interview from our own Sami Martasian:
“Allston Pudding: See you at Boston Calling! Thanks so much for giving us your time, I know you’re really busy.
Kurt Vile: Haha yeah uh you know…I’m not THAT busy.”
Get a room, you two.
THOUGHTS:
I saw Kurt Vile perform at FYF 2013 at what I think was the exact same time of the day, and it didn’t really work out for me because I fell asleep standing up. Seriously. This wasn’t Kurt’s fault; it was a really long day, I relaxed for a second and BOOM, his gorgeous pop tunes and even gorgeous-er hair enveloped me in a summer-y embrace of good vibes, vacations and TV spots for the latest conditioner from Dove. Needless to say, he’s a perfect choice for this festival, and I’m extremely excited. Just be sure drink some coffee before you dance, kids.
ESSENTIAL TRACK:
FESTIVAL PREDICTIONS:
“Freeway” makes me cry because I miss my old car (R.I.P. Bessie); the guitar tech takes 17 minutes and 24 seconds to set up; a lock of Kurt’s hair envelops itself around a mic stand and rips it down of its own accord; Michael Stipe appears backstage, takes one look at Kurt, and runs away crying.
BUILT TO SPILL
WHAT TIME IS/ARE HE/SHE/THEY ON:
3:55 PM
WHERE:
Red Stage
SIMPLIFIED GENRE:
Indie rock
THE FIRST THING I THINK OF WHEN I THINK OF THIS ARTIST:
Milk, Harvey Milk, Got Milk?
MOST INTERESTING ONLINE TIDBIT:
Via Wikipedia:
“In March 2006, Martsch suffered a detached retina which required surgery.”
Is “suffered” really the right verb there? That makes it seem like anyone can just be walking down the street and BOOM, detached retina. Still though, ouch.
THOUGHTS:
I’m indifferent as of right now. Good, solid hooks won’t ever not go wrong at a fest, and these guys have them in full force. As someone unfamiliar with the discography, I’m looking to see how they differentiate themselves from the pack, though they’ve certainly got the cred to back it up (judging by the video below, they appear to have been accepted as Modest Mouse’s JV team). Wikipedia tells me these dudes like doing covers, which’ll get some crowd-pleasing antics in, I’m sure.
ESSENTIAL TRACK:
FESTIVAL PREDICTIONS:
Three covers; New Order is one of them (please please please); the drummer breaks two sticks; a seagull refuses to leave the top of the bass amp.
PHOSPHORESCENT
WHAT TIME IS/ARE HE/SHE/THEY ON:
5:00 PM
WHERE:
Blue Stage
SIMPLIFIED GENRE:
Indie pop.
THE FIRST THING I THINK OF WHEN I THINK OF THIS ARTIST:
The horrible things you see when you turn on a blacklight; laser tag.
MOST INTERESTING ONLINE TIDBIT:
Via Wikipedia:
“‘Song for Zula’ also featured on the soundtrack album for the 2014 film ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2.'”
This is only interesting because I thought it said, “‘Song for Zula’ also featured on the 2014 album, ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2,'” and I was impressed that a band was bold enough to name an album directly after a new, major movie for like 2 seconds.
THOUGHTS:
These guys have a great KEXP set on the internet that I saw awhile back, so I’m excited to see how it works out on a bigger stage with louder stuff. Not too many thoughts other than that, but these guys fit well on today’s bill, as does everyone.
ESSENTIAL TRACK:
FESTIVAL PREDICTIONS:
For the first time, some in the crowd notice a curiously large group of seagulls beginning to circle overhead; people’s necks start hurting from ground-stare-pseudo-dancing; an awesome light show.
TEGAN AND SARA
WHAT TIME IS/ARE HE/SHE/THEY ON:
6:05 PM
WHERE:
Red Stage
SIMPLIFIED GENRE:
Synth pop
THE FIRST THING I THINK OF WHEN I THINK OF THIS ARTIST:
How awesome The White Stripes’ covers used to be; my eternal love of pixie cuts; Tom & Jerry
MOST INTERESTING ONLINE TIDBIT:
Via Wikipedia:
“NOFX’s song ‘Creeping Out Sara’ is about the two sisters. During a live Q&A when asked what they thought of the song Sara answered, ‘The song is called ‘Creeping Out Sara’; I am Sara, and I was creeped out.'”
NOFX should be applauded for their effort, but this is definitely not how you stand outside of a window and blare a boombox in the rain. Not with that song.
THOUGHTS:
Ever since the duo began transitioning to a synth-poppier sound, all hell has broken loose. They’re like a better Icona Pop, with a definitive and extensive back catalogue of older hits to draw back on whenever the new stuff gets too much or they need a break. Some might call this a “cushy situation” for an act that tours as much as these two, but it’s extremely well-deserved. All indications say they’re going to bring it, and bring it hard. LET’S MAKE THINGS PHYSICAL.
ESSENTIAL TRACK:
FESTIVAL PREDICTIONS:
Keyboard switching outnumbers instrument switching 3:1; hand go up when they’re supposed to, dammit; the backing musicians don’t smile once; the band goes over time just a little bit, but not enough to make a fuss.
BASTILLE
WHAT TIME IS/ARE HE/SHE/THEY ON:
7:10 PM
WHERE:
Blue Stage
SIMPLIFIED GENRE:
Rock
THE FIRST THING I THINK OF WHEN I THINK OF THIS ARTIST:
How awful that one SNL episode was.
MOST INTERESTING ONLINE TIDBIT:
Via Wikipedia:
“Bastille (stylised as BΔSTILLE)”
This is even worse then THE NBHD from yesterday’s preview. Uh-uh. No. Stop stylizing like that, guys.
THOUGHTS:
Grantland writer (and one of my heroes) Steven Hyden explained this band better than I ever could, and what their success means in at least one modern pop landscape. I can’t top that. What I can offer is that Bastille, Imagine Dragons and other bands listed in that article have had, judging by accounts of friends, surprisingly sincere and fulfilling live shows. A good friend of mine went to an Imagine Dragons show having never heard their music, and besides “fans screaming so loud I could only hear the bigass drum onstage,” he loved it. Strangely, I’m getting the instinct that Bastille might surprise me.
ESSENTIAL TRACK:
FESTIVAL PREDICTIONS:
Bastille surprises me; that same seagull comes to rest on top of the drummer’s head.
BRAND NEW
WHAT TIME IS/ARE HE/SHE/THEY ON:
8:15 PM
WHERE:
Red Stage
SIMPLIFIED GENRE:
Rock
THE FIRST THING I THINK OF WHEN I THINK OF THIS ARTIST:
Free Beer, and other maybe-self-aware-maybe-not band names.
MOST INTERESTING ONLINE TIDBIT:
Via Wikipedia:
“The album’s title, Deja Entendu, is French for “already heard.” It was explained as ‘very tongue-in-cheek,’ by singer Lacey.”
I certainly hope so, because that album title is horrible.
THOUGHTS:
An energetic penultimate act before the last band (and their overalls) get all up in the business, Brand New won me over on my perusals with a track that bears the title, “Jude Law and A Semester Abroad.” I’m not well-versed in what I can safely describe as pseudo-emo acts, but I’m actually kind of excited for these guys. Full disclosure: fond memories of one of my best friends screaming Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar, We’re Going Down Swinging” at the top of his lungs absolutely tilted me in the positive direction for Brand New. Hopefully I’ll be nodding, and not laughing like a maniac during their set.
ESSENTIAL TRACK:
FESTIVAL PREDICTIONS:
Circle pits; headbanging; the seagulls perch on top of the awnings en masse; passerby begin noticing the birds and grow anxious.
MODEST MOUSE
WHAT TIME IS/ARE HE/SHE/THEY ON:
9:20 PM
WHERE:
Blue Stage
SIMPLIFIED GENRE:
Indie rock
THE FIRST THING I THINK OF WHEN I THINK OF THIS ARTIST:
My sister’s old iPod nano; sea shantys, music critics
MOST INTERESTING ONLINE TIDBIT:
Just re-reading the fact that Johnny Fucking Marr was part of the band at one point still amazes me. And hey, it worked out pretty well.
THOUGHTS:
As far as indie rock darlings go, Modest Mouse isn’t all that divisive. Much like when Neutral Milk Hotel comes to town in the September Boston Calling fest, I feel like we’re not going to get anything unexpected from these guys. That’s a very, very good thing in the case of Isacc Brock and Co. Brock is a legitimate contender for the best songwriter of his generation, and his chops haven’t subsided over the years. We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank is my favorite album, to give y’all some perspective on that. Anyways, an awesome choice to close out this fest, and a great lead-in to the work week. Kill it, dudes.
ESSENTIAL TRACK:
FESTIVAL PREDICTIONS:
Johnny Marr makes a surprise appearance; all the seagulls from before return and envelop Brock in a Batman Begins-type manner; three encores; the porta-pottys (potties?) fail one last time.
Can’t get enough Boston Calling? Didn’t snag a ticket in time? Be sure to keep an eye on the September fest , featuring The National, Lorde, Nas, The Replacements, and many more.