Los Angeles – The recent Way Over Yonder music festival was by far the most relaxed southern California festival of the 2014 season. What a relief to have no long lines, no huge crowds, and no massive venue to navigate. Of course, the beachside view on the iconic Santa Monica pier didn’t hurt either. Twenty bands played on the picturesque platform over the weekend and if eyes were closed, it truly felt like Angelenos were transported down south without the plane ticket. Legends like Jackson Browne and Lucinda Williams did headline, but newcomers didn’t fail to make an impact.
Here are the new indie bands that had sounds as fresh as the ocean breeze:
Houndmouth:
A folk sound reinvented, a snappy sense of humor, and a small town modesty made this crew an endearing find. Houndmouth keyboardist Katie Toupin joked that the sunny cool setting was “a lot like” their hometown of New Albany, Indiana, though they proved they fit in just fine among the impressive lineup. In spite of lyrics focused on loneliness and drugs, the foursome delivered twisting and turning songs as they foot stomped and danced to their own creations from debut album, Hills Below the City. Best New Bands’ former Featured Artist have the spirit of Mumford and Sons or Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, but their turned-up tone and Toupin’s romanticized touch makes this band one-of-a-kind.
The Wild Reeds:
The Wild Reeds did not have the pleasure of the main stage’s ocean view, but they did play in a shabby classic carousel room that felt far better suited. The folksy, mellow six-piece just so happened to have the recently released “Blind and Brave” produced by Raymond Richards — the man who fostered headliners Local Natives’ music as well. This local band has that same kind of organic, raw take on tunes, though there is no attitude or spectacle. The Wild Reeds worked well in the carnival-like setting, but it would’ve also been nice to see them encircled around a wood fire. There was a lot of feeling and a lot of togetherness injected into their artwork; the kind music that seeps into the skin and flows through the blood, possessing the bodies in earshot.
Jamestown Revival:
Jamestown Revival’s live performance is, for lack of a better term, reviving. The indie-rock crooners have a powerful southern effect with a combustible arsenal of down-home, deep-cutting tunes. Their songs switch back and forth between themes of alienation in their new home of California to Texan-born musicians and how comforted they are by their rare return to the outdoors. They’re hearty and rustic, yet light-hearted all at the same time thanks to their smooth-like-bourbon lyrics, those exact harmonies, and an excellent use of the steel guitar. One half of the duo, Zach Chance, might’ve said it best when he declared, “It’s a great day to sing by the water.” (Ed., Republic Records announced last week that they’ve signed the band and have re-released their current album, Utah.)
Ariela Kozin
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