Free Press Preview – Who to see in Houston

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It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed the sweat, blood and tears of a music festival, but luckily that is all about to change. Houston is offering up a smattering of awesome local, state-wide and national acts this weekend at the Free Press Summer Fest, and I scoured every single slot to give you my recommendations for best of the fest. Read on to get a short synopsis of who you should check out, as well as a song to peak your interest. See you in Houston!

DAY ONE – Saturday, June 4

Wild Moccasins [Budweiser, 11:40AM]: I’ve heard tons about these kids, and am stoked to finally see them. They sound super energetic on record, with a great blend of different influences – indie rock-meets-throwback pop and twee. It’s sweet, bright pop music; Texas’ Freelance Whales.

Simple Success [29-95 Stage, 11:40AM]: I am admittedly not the most knowledgeable about hip-hop and rap music, but I knew straight away that I liked this group. Their rhymes are sick – the perfect blend of ego and politics, and their beats are catchy and danceable. “Smash & Dash” hooked me from the first listen. Plus, they’re hometown, Houston-bred dudes, so I’m guessing locals will be into it, which always makes a show more fun. There is an unfortunate helping of anti-woman sentiment in some of their songs (the downfall of a lot of hip-hop music I try to get into), but I think it’s worth sticking it out.

Yppah [Main Stage, 12:20]: This Houston-based artist produces all kinds of electronic goodness. It’s odd that he’d be slated so early on in the day, because this kind of moody music seems best to chill to in the dark. Still, he matches catchy beats with pretty instrumentation to craft a diverse mish-mash of tunes that are diverse enough to get you grooving.

Los Skarnales [Main Stage, 1:00]: Be still, my pogo-ing heart; Spanish-tinged ska music! It’s southern-bred Gogol Bordello that sounds like just as much of a party. If you’re a fan of ska music, this band will fulfill your need to skank.

As real as rainbows by Fredster

Fredster [Gritsy/Reprogram Music Stage, 1:00]: Gentle, winding electronic music. Fredster is like a novelist; he’s got a story to tell through samples, and the places he takes you are enchanting.

The Manichean [29-95 Stage, 1:10]: Listen to the above track at least to the 1:30 mark; there is this incredible shift in the song that leads me to believe this band has listened to Radiohead once or twice. There is tons of potential to be found in what this group is doing. They create interesting, airy soundscapes that may not be totally suited to the hot afternoon Texas sun, but with any luck, they’ll cool us all off.

Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears [Main Stage, 2:00]: Austinites already know and love this group, but if you’ve somehow missed the boat, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears play R&B that will make you feel like you landed in Motown.

Those Darlins [Budweiser, 2:00]: Snotty chicks with more throwback pop-rock a la Best Coast. If you wished Bethany Cosentino could be a little angrier and more sarcastic, you’ll love Those Darlins.

Little Lo [Night Owl Stage, 2:15]: No one should be surprised to see this band on this list. Little Lo are one of my favorite local bands, and they consistently put out increasingly exciting music and have more fun than any other band I’ve seen on stage. This band will be huge. Listen to the song above, let your heart swell, fall in love. See them now.

Zeale [Rudyard's Stage, 2:50]: This upcoming Austin-based rapper is incredibly charismatic on stage. I’ve seen him perform twice with the Black & White Years, and both times he got the crowd rowdy; he was their king. Let him rule you, too.

Fat Tony [Gritsy/Reprogram Music Stage, 3:30]: This Houston rapper opened for Mister Heavenly here in Austin, and he’s tons of fun. He brought along an entourage with cameras, recording his performance and the crowd, so you may just end up in one of his music videos if you come to this show.

Listen!

The Donkeys [Warehouse Live Stage, 4:30]: This Dead Oceans band is versatile, sounding more garage-rock, doo-wop or country as the song requires. Another band embracing the sock-hop summer we’ve got on our hands.

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings [Main Stage, 5:00]: I’m very excited to finally see this band play live. They’ve ridden the wave of buzz on their talented frontwoman and throwback sound, and they sound like the real deal to me. If I could, I’d wrap myself in Jones’ rich, emotional voice; it is divine.

Listen!

Suite 709 [Warehouse Live Stage, 5:15]: I’ve seen this band perform before, opening for the Black & White Years at Antone’s, and boy, do they have swagger. It’s R&B-tinged pop music, and lead singer Jirod Greene will WORK until you’re moving.

Lower Dens [29-95 Stage, 5:20]: This band puts out pretty vocals over grungy shoegaze tunes that are made for stretching out on the ground with your friends after a long, hot morning of rawk. I tend to trust NPR for my musical interests, and Lower Dens have already put out a “Tiny Desk” concert. I’m sold.

Beirut [Main Stage, 6:55]: I’ve wanted to see this group live for a long time. Zachary Francis Condon has vocals that land him between Andrew Bird and the frontman of Fanfarlo, Simon Balthazar. The instrumentation is also like Fanfarlo’s, with layers of instruments that wind and fly through the songs. Condon has been at this for years, so I expect the band to sound elegant and breathtaking – a great way to usher the sunset.

Ween [Main Stage, 8:30]: This band is a little “out there” for my tastes. They sing about ridiculous stuff a la Zappa, and they play in all different genres to the point that it renders them a bit identity-less. They do a good job with everything they do, but I can’t help feeling like I’m listening to a really talented cover band every time I hear their stuff. However, being the girlfriend of a hardcore fan, I’ll happily stand at the front and enjoy this show. Keep an open mind, and you’ll have a blast. It’ll be a rocking time, and I expect to sway, clap and laugh – what more could you want?

DAY TWO – Sunday, June 5

Free Radicals [Main Stage, 11:00AM]: Skip your morning coffee and go straight to Free Radicals. This giant group plays really danceable world-influenced instrumental music that will be the perfect jolt of energy to start your day.

Robert Ellis [Main Stage, 12:35]: Ellis plays all kinds of folky goodness. Accented with pretty guitar picking and fiddle playing, Ellis sings earnestly over beautifully crafted songs.

Sun Hotel [29-95 Stage, 12:50]: I’m really excited about this band – they may end up being my favorite festival discovery. The vocals are beautiful, and they have a really big sound that reminds me of a lot of different music I already love, without being a straight ripoff. Harmonies, emotion, swooning, sweeping music that can move you on first listen – I can’t wait.

Listen!

Ani DiFranco’s Dick [Warehouse Live Stage, 1:55]: The band’s name made me super skeptical, but they’re political and punky and sarcastic in-your-face, which totally put a smile on my face.

The Beets [29-95 Stage, 3:05]: When you share a name with the beloved band from “Doug” (showing my age, I know, I know), you’ve set some high expectations for yourself. These guys will redefine the band name. They play into the revival ’50s rock-bop movement that’s been hitting the music world hard, but they put their own grungy, snotty spin on it. Put on your knee-socks and hop.

Yeasayer [Main Stage, 3:45]: If you are not on board this bandwagon, you best hurry your oxen up before you die of dysentery. Yeasayer are an incredible live band, reinterpreting their synth-heavy songs, filling your ears and heart and lungs with their harmonies. You’ll dance, you’ll shout, you’ll pump your fist. The song I included above was included so that you will watch bassist Ira Wolf Tuton – that flute-like flourish at the 1:49 mark is Ira, being the best contemporary indie bassist I’ve certainly ever heard. This band is incredible, every time. Do. Not. Miss.

Caddywhompus [Rudyard's Stage, 3:45]: This band sounds purposefully messy, and they pull it off. I can hear some Explosions in the Sky here, and some Animal Collective, all blurred together into their own unique sound. I’m very excited to see this band.

The Memorials [29-95 Stage, 3:55]: Strong female vocals fronting a hard rock band – sign me up. The vocal stylings of Viveca Hawkins are really what sell this for me. I’m interested to see what she does as a frontwoman.

Chromeo [Main Stage, 5:15]: This will likely be the biggest dance party of the weekend. The dynamic duo of Chromeo have been making booties shake for years now, and they just get glossier and more chic with each passing year. Get your sweat on at this show.

L.A.X. [Night Owl Stage, 5:20]: My love affair with this Austin band started when they opened for Marina & the Diamonds. Kickass female rapper? Check. Awesome female vocalists? Check. Dancey music that’s the best of ’90s cheese-pop? Check. This show is gonna be fabulous.

Neon Indian [Budweiser, 6:00]: This band always reminds me of the Saturday Night Live Christmas band with Jimmy Fallon and Horatio Sanz, but Alan Palomo knows how to work a stage. I highly recommend going just to watch him; his performance style is entrancing.

Cut Copy [Main Stage, 7:00]: I’ve been dying to check these Aussies out for ages. Now we all have a chance. They play the same catchy, gorgeous electronic rock that Hot Chip does. “Need You Now” even sounds a little like Depeche Mode. These guys are in a fantastic time slot for their cool, breezy tunes.

Weezer [Main Stage, 8:30]: My internal scratch notes for these guys just say, “Duh.” To be fair, the last few albums have not been my favorite. I’m one of the snobbity snobs for this band who prefer The Blue Album and other earlier fare (although I don’t really know the deep cuts; just their old hits). Still, I think they’ll put on a fun live show, and mix it up enough to make us nostalgic and keep us entertained. Fingers crossed for “My Name Is Jonas,” my personal favorite.

The Festival Crashers were also kind enough to let me babble on about this lineup – check out my guest spot on the Podcrash here.