Saturday, 12:45-3:15

Friendly Fires, Phantogram, Maps & Atlases, Chico Trujillo, Savoy, Typhoon, DJ Neil Armstrong, and Skylar Grey will be performing at Lollapalooza 2011 between the hours of 12:45 and 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 6.

FRIENDLY FIRES
The parrot emblazoned on the cover of Friendly Fires’ sophomore album Pala is a perfect indicator of the band’s sound: vibrant, motional, and exotic. The English trio’s brand of atmospheric dance-pop flaunts rolling toms, hazy synths, and emphatic hooks — punctuated by a bright-eyed appreciation for beloved dance floor staples like handclaps and cowbell. Though clearly focused on pushing boundaries, Friendly Fires’ unbridled enthusiasm shows that experimentation doesn’t have to come at the cost of flat-out fun. (Saturday, 2:15-3, Bud Light Stage) –text: Brandon Wilner

PHANTOGRAM
Combining the gauzy atmospherics of dream-pop with the fractured breakbeats of trip-hop, New York’s Phantogram weave disparate elements into an intuitive whole. Synth and drum loops provide plenty of low-end rumble, but the chiming guitars and ethereal vocal melodies of Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel offer a bright, intriguing contrast. With the recent addition of a drummer, Phantogram’s live presence is even stronger — making their brooding, haunted pop even more compelling on stage. (Saturday, 1:30-2:30, Sony Stage) –text: Lukas Suveg

MAPS AND ATLASES
Chicago’s Maps and Atlases have stunned audiences and critics with displays of instrumental virtuosity in pop-song contexts since their formation in 2004. Though originally renowned for precise, rapidly finger-tapped riffs, frenetic yet crisp drum work, and singer Dave Davison’s yelped lyrical abstractions, Maps and Atlases has greatly expanded its sound in recent years. In 2010 they released debut LP Perch Patchwork, an album that finds them exploring ornate chamber-folk with unprecedented restraint and maturity. (Saturday, 2:15-3, Google+ Stage) –text: Lukas Suveg

CHICO TRUJILLO
Lollapalooza is spicing up the festival this year with a Latin lineup that includes Chico Trujillo, Chile’s cumbia music leaders. The band has made its way across the globe, pleasing crowds with their infectious dance tracks and exuberant energy. Beginning as a ska band, the nine members have grown into a massive success with their hip-moving percussion, roaring brass section, playful guitars and passionate lyrics. This show is a must if you wish to add some fun to your weekend. (Saturday, 1:30-2:15, PlayStation Stage) –text: Angie Martin

SAVOY
Not to be confused with the Norwegian alt-rock band of the same name, Savoy is an electronic trio who generate sounds that feel right at home in a club, rave…or Blade soundtrack. The trio uses syncopated beats, layered synths, and the occasional crushing bass to induce fist-over-head gyrations via a healthy blend of original arrangements and top 40 remixes. Check out their remix of fellow Lollapalooza performer Damian Marley’s “Welcome to Jamrock”. (Saturday, 1:45-2:45, Perry’s) –text: Logan Malloy

TYPHOON
With a wide spectrum of sound covered in both their recordings and live performances, Typhoon is an ideal band to check out with a nice cool drink early in the day. For fans of Arcade Fire and Jeff Buckley, this band will get you ready for the rest of the day with soft strings, horns, and beautiful lyrics from the large number of band members. Or you just may want to camp out in front of the stage and never leave. (Saturday, 1:15-2, BMI Stage) –text: Brian Dorrans

DJ NEIL ARMSTRONG
If you haven’t heard the name DJ Neil Armstrong, chances are you have heard him holding down the ones and twos for some of hip-hops biggest acts. Armstrong became Jay-Z’s official DJ in 2008 and has spun alongside the likes of De La Soul, The Roots, and Kanye West. Born and raised in NYC, Armstrong is known for his fun, quirky beats as founding father of the DJ Collective 5th Platoon. (Saturday, 12:45-1:45, Perry’s) –text: Logan Malloy

SKYLAR GREY
Skylar Grey is a folk rock singer/songwriter and producer who first emerged in 2004 as Holly Brook. At age 18 she was signed by Linkin Park and has written and performed with P Diddy, T.I., and Lupe Fiasco. Perhaps most famously, she co-wrote one of the most popular songs of the year, Eminem’s “Love the Way You Lie”. With influences like Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan in tow, she brings a soft soulful sound to the stage. (Saturday, 2:30-3:15, BMI Stage) –text: Callaya Haywood