Umberto Eco said, "there is nothing more wonderful than a list - an instrument of wondrous hypotyposis." More simply stated, lists make life make sense. Here's one.
It's been a couple of years since the indie heroes from Portland toured Australia. Since then, James Mercer has kicked out all members from that tour (including Eric from the Fruitbats) and recruited a new band (with a cute female guitarist). The new album has no shortage of catchy melodies (and a spot of falsetto), so will be interesting to see how those songs sound live, hopefully wedged between plenty of old classics.
(In other ex-Shins member news, Jesse Sandoval's Mexican food cart has closed down after 2 years of operation - a sad day for indie fans and foodies everywhere. R.I.P. Nuevo Mexico.)
2. Youth Lagoon
This 22 year old's reverb-soaked pop gems have soundtracked sunny Sunday afternoons at my house for most of the year. Youtube clips suggest that he brings just the one guitarist on tour while he flexes his skills on keyboard. As in the clip below, his live vocals have less reverb applied, revealing tender lyrics and a heartbreaking voice. Hopefully he scores an afternoon slot on a sunny day for optimum impact.
3. Jack White
The shaggy haired guitar genius has proven that his talent extends beyond The White Stripes, and this current incarnation is no exception. He's been touring with two backing bands (one all-male, one all-female) and also playing some White Stripes material, so this one is unmissable in my books.
4. Pond
Members of Tame Impala play balls-out psych rock. The first 30 seconds of this track should be enough to convince anyone that this will be a winning set. I'd skip the Tame Impala crowd and mosh along to these guys instead.
5. Kimbra
No - she doesn't play that song live. Yes - she is worth seeing. Saw her at the Enmore earlier this year - incredible live vocals, a tight band and bangin' tunes make for a pretty spectacular concert experience. Check out this sassy number, complete with horn sounds and creative gesticulation.
6. Explosions In The Sky
Instrumental, anthemic post-rock is the genre. According to friends and reviews, blown minds will be the result. I think these guys have a hypnotic, immersive sound which should suit the festival setting.
7. At The Drive-In
The closer Splendour gets, the greater my regret at not seeing this band. Such an important band for me and their live shows have a formidable reputation - flying afros, scissor kicks and fits of guitar-flinging aggression. This is the one you'll tell the grandkids about.
Hopefully the food is as good as some of these:
http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/07/best-food-at-music-festivals/
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