Musings...observations from the fourth line on the festival lineup poster - Page 22 of 27

July 29, 2019July 27, 2019

Riot Fest 2019 Countdown 6 – Less Than Jake

We’re going five wide again this week. Don’t see all that of a common theme in these. There’s a little ska, some punk bands from the south, one from Jersey. But all from line 7 of the Riot Fest poster or lower. All should get consideration when the schedule is released and conflicts abound. Or an aftershow.

Less Than Jake are billed as ska punk. I remember them about the same time the third wave of ska blew up with Reel Big Fish, Skanking Pickle, No Doubt, Goldfinger, etc. And I threw them in the same category. But they’re much more pop punk than ska, but still have a cool ska sound. Take a three piece punk band and add a horn section. How cool would that be? That’s Less Than Jake.

They play Sunday at Riot Fest.

July 26, 2019July 13, 2019

Riot Fest 2019 Countdown 7 – I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME gets the nod for longest name. Kinda the opposite of the HU. But their name is from Back to the Future, McFly. A modern day Devo in a duo? Sure feels like it. And “That’s Good”. Their singer has roots from Panic! At The Disco, who I’ve generally been indifferent to. But that gives them some staying power. It also might get them a lot of screaming girls at their show. Another I’m hard pressed to describe. They’re getting some alt radio play out here with their song “Choke”. From Salt Lake City, but I’m sure that’s obvious…

July 25, 2019September 7, 2019

Riot Fest 2019 Countdown 7 – The Garden

I’m really struggling how to describe The Garden. And that’s not a bad thing. They’re just….different. They’re a two piece. One on drums and one on bass. Yeah, no guitar. They certainly have an attitude that makes me think they’re like Slaves (but the drummer does sit down…soft). But they have a fuller sound and play with backing tracks like Twentyone Pilots. Some videos even show the drummer singing out in front of his set with a drum machine playing. And there’s a certain “Sparks” quality to them (remember Coachella 2013?). By the way, they’re from the OC so maybe they have some influences from our Surf City Blitz buddies. So wrap up Slaves, Sparks, T0P, and some OC Punk in a big ball and you might get this. Anyway, check them out and let me know what you think.

July 24, 2019July 13, 2019

Riot Fest 2019 Countdown 7 – Cherry Glazerr

Cherry Glazerr are from LA and are really their lead singer’s, Clementine Creevy, project, as she’s been the only constant since they were formed in 2013. “Noise Pop” and “Garage Rock” are a couple of the adjectives to categorize them. But really, like yesterday, just a great sounding rock act.

July 23, 2019July 13, 2019

Riot Fest 2019 Countdown 7 – The Beaches

The Beaches are a foursome from Canada led by two sisters. They’ve been around for about six years but have only produced on album. Sure to be KJ’s favorite. Rather than try to compare them to another band, I’ll just say they rock. The have the simple four-piece rock band formula figured out. The videos tell the story. Another great aftershow possibility.