Los Angeles — The weekend heat couldn’t put a damper on Make Music Pasadena’s 2014 festival: the largest free West Coast festival which dominated the streets of the suburban town from Saturday to the wee hours of Sunday morning. Even though over 100 artists rocked out on the stages of more than 30 venues during the single day musical celebration, Wild Ones, Saint Motel, and Moses Sumney managed to stand out among the rest.
Wild Ones
There was a certain kind of passion and strength behind the Wild Ones’ performance, due perhaps it was the survivalist mentality they’ve gained thanks to a rough course of growing pains. In late 2012 alone, they lost a drummer, new drummer Seve Sheldon punctured a lung, and guitarist Clayton Knapp blew an eardrum. The endurance they’ve acquired from such hurdles absolutely showed on Saturday.
Following the release of their long-awaited debut LP Keep It Safe, the band spread across Colorado Blvd with a delicate blend of synths and gentle acoustic pop. Each string of the guitar and touch of the keyboard was delivered with thoughtful refinement. Lead singer Danielle Sullivan was a stand out with her cascading vocals, adorable dance moves and shakes of the tambourine. The band carried hits like “Golden Twin” and “Rivals,” bewitching those lucky enough to have watched.
Saint Motel
An on-stage proposal began Saint Motel’s set; a celebratory note that echoed throughout their entire performance. Cheery beats bounced from the foursome as lead singer A/J Jackson leaped with joy during “Benny Goodman.”
The California-based players are known to have a fairly mainstream sound, but their epic instrumentals were maniacally rock n’ roll that afternoon. Though old favorites got the audience to sing along, my attention was heightened thanks to an extra punch of brass players added to fresh tunes like “My Type.” The Make Music alumni have been on the music scene for a bit longer than the others showcased, but the new songs with satiating lyrics about tasting the salt under your lover’s skin verify that they refuse to quit developing. Based on their performance, their New EP (July 28) will feature their most complex songs yet.
Moses Sumney
Moses Sumney’s swag was gripping from the moment his tall frame slinked on the stage. It was as though Sumney was too cool to feel the heat in his dark pants and boots- but with such a massive range and sensitive lyrics, he could make even the most apathetic person feel.
The 23-year-old made it clear that his vocal control is unmatched among his contemporaries as his range surveyed heartache and sorrow. Tracks like “Replaceable” were so drenched in soul and his cover of Magical Cloudz’s “Childhood’s End” was so moving, it left me winded. The only complaint is that Sumney’s depth would be far better served at an intimate indoor venue than the loose daytime stage, but that’s just another excuse to see the soul-folk prodigy perform
Ariela Kozin
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