Four stages, 25 bands, 90+ degrees, a ranch in the middle of Nowhere, WI. This is Hedgpeth day two!
While I have heard of some of these bands, and heard others, we were there primarily to cover Primus. Everything else was a bonus. Rules for most every concert you attend are photos for the first three songs, which also meant I got to listen to the first three songs. Then it was off and running to another stage. The only band we completely listened to was Primus and that is only because they honestly really and truly SUCK! Thankfully for us, the media got to hide in a nice air conditioned room and download their photos and catch up on notes. This was a HUGE help from all the running. Sorry for the short band reviews, but we were always on the run! Remember moshing in allowed areas only. :)
Off to the races!
The bands in order of appearance. :)
21+ Stage -
Braided Funk - Name definitely does not deceive. This is Truly Funk. They high some pretty high speeds with the music and it was kept nice and tight sound wise. Fun Local Band.
Hodgepodge Stage -
Aberdeen City - Caught their last song ALMOST. The music reminded me of something from stomp. Wish I could have seen more. These guys had amazing energy.
Main Stage -
The Whigs - Indie Pop Rock band that is almost what you would expect to hear blaring from college dorm rooms. Named on of Rolling Stones Top 10 new bands to watch.
Contagious Stage -
Ultra Sonic Edukators - First off this band has the whole self promotion thing down. Walking in I got no less that 5 fliers advertising the time and stage they were playing on. Two drummers and some funky synth set this group apart. Hardest working band at the festival.
21+ Stage -
Domestic Problems - Horns, Sax, Flutes and Bowling OH MY! Gotta give props to a band that would write a song to honor WI state sport! ;) High energy and reminicent of Fishbone.
Contagious Stage -
Luna Halo - Is it possible? A plain good old fashioned rock band? Nahhh More pop punk that you see now adays, but not a bad band and worth a shot. Almost thought the festival went mainstream on me! And honestly you just gotta love a man in eyeliner.
OHHHHH need some food. Short break to eat, get something cool to drink and take a breather. This is the best food selection of any festival I have been too with some of the best prices around.
And back to the races....
Hodgepodge Stage -
Los Amigos Invisibles - Psychedelic Funk with a Latin flair. Sun is finally coming down and the lights coming up. Now this is a fun band to dance to.
Contagious Stage -
Living Things - Does anyone remember London Quireboys. Back in the 80's when the Glitter Rock made a small burp of a comeback? This is the London glam of those days with a new twist.
Main Stage -
Kings of Leon - College Radio Pop with a twist of southern rock mixed in. Much like the 70's rock, a good mellow listen.
21+ -
Rusted Root - A little bit of reggae, a little bit of pop, a little bit of funk, and you end up with Rusted Root. A band I remember from my coffee house days and defiantly a crowd fav here.
The photos are uploaded, and part two will contain Primus, the headliner. Because we all know Primus SUCKS!
One thing I learned is that I am almost getting to damned old for festivals. Almost. :)
