After seeing the lineup of Sasquatch this year I almost wanted to ditch that whole “photographer” gig and just go as a fan. A fan of so many bands throwing down at the festival that I wanted to stay and watch each act to the end (a luxury not given to those who have 50 bands to cover and only the first 10-15 minutes or so of each performance to shoot). Their songs had penetrated my most often selected playlists and had often sound-tracked my long days editing content at Amazon or bike rides through Venice and since the move, Seattle. Obviously my love for my craft led me to the right decision. Packing my camera gear, Hilary, a tent, and some basic supplies we headed out across the state to hit what I consider to be the greatest music venue I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing.
We arrived at the festival only to find out that the campground area of the
Gorge had filled to capacity (something about overbooking the festival by some 1500 people) and we were to be camped in a parking lot close to the entrance. We drove out over the long bladed grass, parked and began setting up camp. It was game time, in the next 4 days we would cover 50 unique and dynamic groups across 4 stages at the edge of some of the most beautiful scenery one could ask for.
Petite Chloe Chaidez flit around the venue saying hello to friends in her hometown as if they had come to see her high school play or ballet recital. Quite to the contrary, with her band she was about to rock the house. Charging the stage with full energy, she opened the set with a cover of Joy Divisions “Transmission” and while it’s quite a risk to cover such a well-loved band, Kitten pulled it off with ease.
With each song, Chloe danced the stage into submission, commanding attention of the whole room. As young as she is, her demeanor was dark and brooding, flinging herself like a broken doll. She rocked “Japanese Eyes” and then my favorite new track from her upcoming full length “Apples and Cigarettes” (I’d like to think per my request). It was the only song in the set that she slowed down to catch her breath and it was sensational. She flashed through “Kill the Light” from the Sunday School EP, a new one “Hot Rod,” a personal favorite “Johnny Johnny Johnny,” and another newer one “Catholic Boys,” among other tracks. She closed with “Kitten with a Whip” from the EP. She barely stop for a second, whirring and writhing around the stage. The performance was spectacular, fascinating, and made everyone observing pine for more of this great band.
If you haven’t gotten to see them live yet, they’ll be on the road all summer (tour dates below). Also, if you haven’t read it yet, I had a great interview with Chloe just a few days earlier.
The three man band from Seattle better known as The Cave Singers deliver soulful folk at its best in their latest release, No Witch. Out earlier this year, No Witch is the band’s third and strongest album yet, prompting them to tour alongside fellow Seattle folksters, Fleet Foxes. Utilizing the rhythm of the audience’s hand-clapping, Marty Lund’s sizzling percussion, Derek Fudesco’s melodic guitar and Pete Quirk’s enveloping voice to bring it all together, The Cave Singers deliver passionate and memorable live performances. I highly recommend catching a show in their ongoing tour, which includes a performance at this year’s Newport Folk Festival.
Bringing their own youthful take on 60s girl group influences, Cults have created what NPR names one of the best albums of 2011 (so far). Not too shabby for a debut album. Cults foster their playfulness and even heartbreak in their self-titled debut album with perfect for summer, “Go Outside”and the tale of a heartbreak, “Abducted”. Pairing twinkling instrumentals with front woman, Madeline Follin belting out lyrics like “he tore me apart because I really loved him,” “Abducted” garnered Pitchfork’s “Best New Music” label. Sold out shows and winning over audiences and critics alike, Cults have been riding the wave of success.
