The final day of Pitchfork had a lineup that started off with punk edge and transformed into to a flashback dance party. The rain gave us a day of sunshine and between the mix of sun and heat turned the mudpits into hard caked up mini desert. Trekking through the said desert, I made my way to the Blue Stage to catch Thee Oh Sees,  and what a great start to the day. The high energy captivating lo-fi garage punk outfit from San Francisco gave it their all. Everyone was digging htem and the only main problem was that I had to leave to catch Ty Segall, who coincidentally is going to be Thee Oh See’s upcoming tourmate.

Across the park, Ty Segall’s set started and I was beyond impressed with his nice guy persona. Encouraging crowd surfing and even jumping as well, ithe set highlighted the band’s equally enjoyable mix of dirty ‘90s garage rock with a bit more polish, while at the same retaining it’s rawness.

Trekking hiking across the park to catch The Men’s set, I cursed Pitchfork for putting these three great bands back to back to back, but all  I could do was get ready to see a group whose latest album, Open Your Heart, had been brought to my attention months by a roommate who insisted on their greatness They played a lot of new songs, which was well received. Often thought of as a fuzzy Brooklyn punk band, with both their album and today’s performance, they showed their stuff.

After a very pleasant surprise in the form of Chavez, it was time to wait for Beach House. Not quite new to the scene, the Baltimore duo was new to in terms of performing live. Talking to other people, this was easily one of the can’t miss performances of the festival. Judging by the size of the crowd, this was fairly obvious. This set was just plain ol’ cool. As simple as that may sound everything from the visuals, strobe lights, fog machine, retro chic outfits; to the sound, the loudest quiet music of the fest, left me feeling like I was back in high school being really envious of the “cool” kids. This band is just so enjoyable and they didn’t disappoint.

Once Beach House was finished, I went to get in line for Vampire Weekend, a band I really like. I’ve talked to so many people about this band and I feel there is an even 50/50 love hate for the band across the board. I don’t think they are necessarily breaking the mold, but they’re pretty damn enjoyable. Soundwise, they nailed it, the best of the fest hands down. While I don’t think many people understood what Vampire Weekend was doing at a show like this, once they finsihed the opening song “Cousins,” I think the majority of the crowd remembered that music festivals are supposed to be a good time, and having them closing out the show ensured that. Snaking my way through the crowd after leaving the photo pit, I couldn’t help but dance my way through the set and was pleased to see a good number of people were having fun.

All in all, I’m excited to see what direction these bands head in the upcoming year. The biggest perk of this festival was the live steam of many sets for those unable to catch tickets before the 3-days and Saturday passes sold out. A great way to continue to bring the music to the masses. Now, to rest until the chaotic greatness that is Lollapalooza.

All Photos (c) Daniela Montelongo