Seattle – It’s been a long, hot weekend, but Capitol Hill Block Party goers were eager for more music starting under the sun, and going well into the night, on the final day of the festival. Though the biggest draw of the night was A$AP Rocky, plenty other artists earned their fair share of audience members. Sunday saw a diverse lineup of acts ranging from indie folk to punk-rock to pure rock and roll. Here are 6 of the best new bands we saw.
Angel Olsen
With essences of Patsy Cline, Linda Ronstadt, and Fiona Apple, singer-songwriter Angel Olsen has become a force to be reckoned with. She’s a spitfire of a lyricist, with a captivating, penetrating voice. Earning the biggest crowd for her time slot compared to the previous two days, Olsen immediately silenced the audience with her raw indie rock flavor, especially on songs like “Unfucktheworld” and “Hi-Five.”
Cataldo
Cataldo, a Seattle-based alternative pop-rock group led by Eric Anderson, gave an incredible performance Sunday afternoon at the Vera Stage. With the well-received record Gilded Oldies released earlier this year, Cataldo was even more impressive live. A four-piece brass and wind section, comprised of local musicians on trumpet and saxophone, provided warm textures and helped create a full, lively sound. Anderson’s pure vocals, along with the band’s high energy and strong musicianship, made for a memorable set.
Kithkin
Seattle’s Kithkin is a self-described “tree punk” four-piece comprised of Alex Barr on guitar, Bob Martin on keys and theremin, Ian McCutcheon on drums and vocals, and Kelton Sears on bass, drums, and vocals – and man, did they play their hearts out Sunday afternoon. So what is tree punk? Based off this set alone, it’s pounding drums and unexpected, tribal-like rhythms; it’s impressive chorales and throat-tearing vocals; it’s sweaty bodies thrashing in the audience while band members jump down from the stage and join the pit; it’s a high energy, ferociously enjoyable performance. On the last day of their “Pre-Apocalypse Tour,” the world could have ended and we would’ve confronted it with our hands up in the air.
The War on Drugs
You already know about The War on Drugs. You’ve already heard their most recent album Lost in the Dream. You’ve already put said album on your “Best of 2014” list. And while The War on Drugs crafted one of the most compelling records of the year, it can be argued that their music is translated even better live. Adam Granduciel and company filled the Main Stage with their sprawling rock and roll, complete with shimmering guitar licks, grooving bass, subtle saxophone, and simple raw energy; you could feel the emotion and power behind the songs emanating off each band member. One of my favorite tracks off the record, “Eyes to the Wind,” swayed the crowd, with one woman shouting, “Seattle loves you!”
Sisters
Taking a breather from the outdoors in the cool, air-conditioned basement of Barboza, I found myself taking in the amazing set that was SISTERS. A Seattle duo of Emily Westman (who also performed Friday in Lemolo) and Andrew Vait, SISTERS’ music is filled with musical complexity and unique compositional arrangements, thanks to their formal training. Utilizing synth loops, tabla, polyrhythms, and more, Vait and Westman multitasked with ease to create a textured, energetic, and danceable set. Currently recording their debut EP, set to be released in September, SISTERS is certainly an attention-worthy act.
Pollens
The polyrhythmic, African trance-influenced, contemporary choral ensemble Pollens shined on the Neumos stage Sunday evening. With members who are graduates of Seattle’s Cornish College of the Arts, the group demonstrated impressive and cohesive musicianship. The three females’ beautiful vocal blends and harmonies, layered percussion with a drum set and conga, and prolific guitar and bass, Pollens’ set was a truly incredible sonic experience.
With the weekend coming to a close, I have to admit that I had an enjoyable first Block Party experience. Until next year, Capitol Hill Block Party!
Top Photo By Ashley Genevieve – All Others By Caitlin Peterkin
Caitlin Peterkin
With degrees in journalism and music, Caitlin’s written for Paste Magazine, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and MajoringinMusic.com. She loves cheese, laughing at GIFs of corgis, road trip sing-alongs, and connecting with people over good beer and good music.
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