Brand New, DJ Bald Eagle, Explosions in the Sky, Jamie Lidell, Okkervil River, Spank Rock
BRAND NEW
Even high school kids need somewhere to go during the summer, right? Not all of them work seasonal jobs, saving up for much-needed future keg money. A good chunk of them sit alone in their basements scrawling love poems into notebooks and shouting (or maybe crying) in the shower every night. But every now and then, this lot pools their collecting loathing — and often it’s to the tune of screaming pop songs a la Brand New. (Saturday, 4:30-5:30, AT&T Stage) –text: Derek Wright–photo: Josh Rothstein
DJ BALD EAGLE
As a staple of the Life During Wartime scene since co-launching the regular Chicago dance party in January 2003, DJ Bald Eagle (a.k.a. Metro talent buyer Chris Barroner) has transformed himself into one of the city’s — if not the country’s — biggest draws on the decks. More than just some old records and a few dusty slogans, the fun-loving pop-appreciator’s beats consistently lay the groundwork for a perfect summer party. (Saturday, 5:15-6:00, BMI Stage) –text: Derek Wright
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY
You’ve probably heard the music of Austin’s Explosions in the Sky even if you don’t realize it. The band’s haunting compositions have served as the backdrop for so many commercials, films and television shows it would be hard to have missed them. While some will cry foul along predictable “sellout” lines, in this case the commercial platform served as a perfect gateway drug for people that might ordinarily be turned off by the idea of a band that consists of three guitars and a drummer and traffics in songs that consistently clock in at over seven minutes. Guitarists Manaf Rayani, Mark Smith, and Michael James construct their epic instrumentals over Chris Hrasky’s heavy hitting drums, creating a tension between delicacy and muscle that serves the band elegantly. The sweeping, cathartic melodies that result should provide a festival highlight. (Saturday, 4:30-5:30, Bud Light Stage) –text: Don Bartlett–photo: Dianne Jones
JAMIE LIDELL
Soul never goes out of style. Souls, on the other hand, are so last century. And while spiritualism might be as passé as heroin, it’s never uncool to belt out smooth R&B over groovy rhythms. Enter Jamie Lidell, a funky 35-year-old Englishman with a healthy appreciation for Stevie Wonder and cabaret-style getups. Supporting this year’s underappreciated Jim, Lidell’s fluid chops will take a bit of the sting out of the oppressive summer heat. (Saturday, 5:30-6:30, MySpace Stage) –text: Derek Wright–photo: Nicole Nodland
OKKERVIL RIVER
What kind of band releases a covers album for free without alerting the media? Okkervil River, for one, because they “wanted to do a release fast and for fun and give it to you guys for free.” Not only is this act of charity (a.k.a. Golden Opportunities) notable for its appreciation of fandom, it’s also a good angle into the style of this Austin indie rock band. They’re just as loose and conversational in their musical approach, rendering a sound akin to that of a basement hangout. One could easily picture a Big Pink atmosphere of friends, lovers, fans and enemies intertwining within the rock and roll of Okkervil River. This rollicking touch was most recently employed on their breakthrough album, The Stage Names, which functions as a soundtrack for both the heartbreak and the rebound. Loneliness and community never sounded so alike. (Saturday, 5:30-6:30, PlayStation Stage) –text: Tim Slowikowski
SPANK ROCK
Since their debut 12-inch Put That Pussy On Me, Spank Rock have been riding high on a hot mix of 2 Live Crew-inspired booty rhymes and the Baltimore/Philly club-rap sound of producer Armani XXXChange, Benny Blanco and DJs Chris Rockswell and Ronnie Darko. Now in the wake of their successful debut full-length Yoyoyoyoyo and the X-rated Bangers & Cash EP, they’ve truly earned the self-proclaimed title of “International Party Starters.” Take a look at the stage and see for yourself. (Saturday, 5:00-6:00, Citi Stage) –text: Mike Scales–photo: Mike W. / visualdiction.com
