the 2013 festival lineup! share this thing:——————————→
Friday – 7/19 Stage One:
| 6:00: |
Like a Villain |
Like a Villain’s Holland Andrews makes cascading, chordal, and unexpected things happen with two reed instruments and a voice rising from someplace deep. A compact band of one. TEX CLARK |
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| 6:40: |
Blue Skies for Black Hearts |
Ten years ago, when the inaugural PDX Pop Now! Fest took place, Blue Skies for Black Hearts were there. Occupying legacy status for this year’s 10th anniversary, the band’s heartfelt garage-pop is just as potent as ever, and with a new album on the horizon, consider this a finely tuned set. RYAN J. PRADO |
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| 7:20: |
Genders |
Psych-pop babes Genders hit the ground running since rising from the still-warm ashes of Youth in early 2012. The quartet’s natural knack for moody, warbling rock was showcased on a 2012 EP and a completely fantastic 7-inch self-release earlier in 2013. RJP |
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Friday – 7/19 Stage Two:
| 8:05: |
The We Shared Milk |
Started by Alaskan transplants Boone Howard and Eric Ambrosius, The We Shared Milk are one of Portland’s hardest working and most prolific bands. In the two years since the band rounded out his lineup with bassist Travis, they’ve played over 140 shows (over 90 in Portland alone), self-released four albums (two this past year), and made this year’s Best New Band list in the Willamette Week’s annual music industry poll. Their songs run the gamut from laid-back slacker ballads to dreamy waltzes and frenetic pop rockers. THEO P. CRAIG |
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| 8:45: |
Youthbitch |
If Youthbitch aren’t the most purely snotty, most excitingly abandon-loving band in town, we’re hard-pressed to know who is. Their 2012 LP Don’t Fuck this Up! is basically a perfect punk rock record, and their most recent single on Dirtnap Records, featuring über-catchy track “I’m in Love with Girls,” is like glam-punk gold. RJP |
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| 9:25: |
WL |
This experienced three piece band produces a cascading wall of sound that leads right back to shoegaze roots. Culling experience from time spent in bands such as Blouse and Houndstooth, WL demonstrates an aloof style with a fair amount of contrast and cacophony. Airy vocals surround the listener and fill out the sound. BETH MARTIN |
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Friday – 7/19 Stage One:
| 10:10: |
PWRHAUS |
Let everything go, and float off into emotional supernovas under the spell of PWRHAUS’s helium-filled pop. Portland’s most enthralling seven-piece expands on hushed, isolated melodies by stacking slabs of soaring harmony and lysergic instrumentation. Music for simultaneously remembering and forgetting your troubles. CHRIS CANTINO |
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| 10:50: |
Ramona Falls |
Former Menomena member Brent Knopf no longer really needs to be introduced as a former Menomena member. His scrappy, vast post-rock outfit Ramona Falls has a seat at the table with some of the city’s most exciting bands, and for good reason. Their sophomore LP, 2012’s Prophet, lives up to its name as a sure sign of a gritty art-pop revival. RJP |
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| 11:30: |
Wooden Indian Burial Ground |
Wooden Indian Burial Ground is a four piece garage-psych outfit influenced by grey skies, early sci-fi novels, fuzz pedals and homemade drone boxes. With plenty of feedback, and focus on instrumentals with distorted vocals, their grimy sound makes them one of this year’s most exciting and dangerous artists. TRISTAN TEBEAU |
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| 12:10: |
Sons of Huns |
Few regional bands are able to entwine the frenetic energy of punk with the meticulous playing of a seasoned rock ‘n’ roll band as easily as do Sons of Huns. In just a few short years, the band has attained “must-see” status, and has released an acclaimed 7-inch and self-titled EP to boot. RJP |
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Saturday – 7/20 Stage Two:
| 12:00: |
Mojave Bird |
Mojave Bird makes atmospheric melodies that billow into thick swells of synthesizer, only to break into haunting, delicate vocal arrangements over sparse piano accompaniment. TPC |
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| 12:40: |
Fanno Creek |
As one of the most visible bands in Stumptown – and no, we’re not just saying that because of drummer Dane Brist’s wholly fantastic Sideshow Bob afro – Fanno Creek have established a solid foundation of smartly written songs. Residing somewhere in the chasm of both classic pop rock ‘n’ roll and swinging alt-country swagger, this talented trio are somehow still one of Portland’s best kept secrets. Sssshhhh… RJP |
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Saturday – 7/20 Stage One:
| 1:25: |
Grammies |
GRAMMIES is an experimental jazz duo comprised of Noah Bernstein and Dan Sutherland. Showcasing music somewhat reminiscent of Nujabes, these guys know what’s up when it comes to helping you unwind. Somewhat surreal, you can’t always tell if they really know what they’re doing or if they’re just making it up as they go. TT |
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| 2:05: |
Dusu Mali |
With an eclectic mix of West African blues fusion and rock, Portland’s Dusu Mali bring a built-in dance machine with them wherever they go. The band’s 2011 LP, Doni Doni Che Be Jdimi, is an amazing collection of psych-funk anthems and sing-alongs that demand repeated listens. RJP |
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| 2:45: |
Palo Verde |
Improvisational noise-metal duo Palo Verde are an anomaly in the city’s wickedly insular scene. Blasting out fully on-the-spot compositions, both live and on record, with no overdubs, guitarist Lauren K. Newman and drummer Terrica Kleinknecht carve out sludgy dioramas worthy of legitimate art-rocking credibility. RJP |
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Saturday – 7/20 Stage Two:
| 3:30: |
Billions & Billions |
Operating at breakneck velocities, Billions and Billions opens up a wormhole of heavy psychedelia and manic rock that’ll have you convinced you’ve time-traveled to a mid-‘70s garage-metal show. Motorik drum beats, riffs on top of riffs on top of riffs, a whole lot of time changes and tons of classic ax-shredding dominate Billions and Billions audio output. Ye of the heavy-lidded Hessian variety: Rejoice! This band fucking wails. RJP |
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| 4:10: |
Mattress |
F*ck the Future, Mattress’ latest release, is rough around the edges, brooding and somewhat frightening, like Stephin Merritt crooning inside a locked closet. The solo vehicle of Rex Marshall, Mattress coaxes deep beats, sparse guitars and keys for an electro groove that’s got a mind of its own. RJP |
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| 4:50: |
Ancient Heat |
Ancient Heat revels on stage, clad in matching white outfits, sending you through space and time with their fresh take on disco dance music. They unavoidably take over the stage with membership at times up to 10; each one adding a unique element to the transcendental dance party. Ancient Heat revives a time of horns, synths and funky bass lines and keeps the crowd on its toes in a foggy haze of sexy disco vibes. BM |
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Saturday – 7/20 Stage One:
| 5:35: |
Minden |
Since relocating from Kansas City in 2012, Minden has, simply, taken the town as its disco-soul hostage and repeatedly subjected it to decadent, colorful live shows. Their latest LP, Exotic Cakes, is a study in how to have a good time, and we triple-dog dare you to resist shaking booty during this set. RJP |
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| 6:10: |
Y La Bamba |
One of the most revered collection of artists in the city, and across the country, Y La Bamba continue to produce inspiring, communal-fueled folk-pop with international flare. Luz Elena Mendoza’s affecting vocals spin and twist within a medley of Hispanic-inspired opuses that are often jaw-droppingly brilliant. RJP |
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| 7:00: |
Richmond Fontaine |
Willy Vlautin is well known as an acclaimed novelist for such tomes as Northline. But his role as frontman for Portland’s Richmond Fontaine is a close second, and for extremely good reason. The band’s 10 releases span a nearly 20-year career, and have accounted for some of the best, most honest alt-country albums ever recorded anywhere. RJP |
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Saturday – 7/20 Stage Two:
| 7:45: |
Orquestra Pacifico Tropical |
¿Quieres bailar? Prolifically awesome rhythm king Papi Fimbres leads this cumbia-style latin boogie orchestra. Chock full of some of Portland’s best musicians, this large ensemble makes the sun come out. TC |
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| 8:25: |
Portland Cello Project |
In the seven years since their inception, the string-savvy cooperative of the Portland Cello Project have already become a Rose City institution. The revolving cast of classically trained cellists tackle contemporary renditions of such seemingly disparate compositions as Kanye West’s “All of the Lights” and Pantera’s “Mouth for War,” among others. RJP |
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| 9:05: |
Woolen Men |
The Woolen Men makes gauzy, warbling songs that split the difference between classic pop and indie rock. After years of swapping instruments, this talented group of musicians has settled into their roles recreating their unadorned compositions at maximum volume on drums, bass, and guitar. Having only recently dropped their first full-length album and being recognized as one of this city’s Best New Bands by peers in the music industry, this is a band on top of its game and they’re only getting started. TPC |
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Saturday – 7/20 Stage One:
Sunday – 7/21 Stage One:
| 12:00: |
Hot Victory |
A live set by Hot Victory contains only these things: an electronic drum set, an acoustic drum set, and triggered synths. There are no guitars, no laptops, no bass. Band members Caitlin Love and Ben Stoller crush what were once thought of as limitations of a drum kit. Their sound is hypnotic, mystical and progressive; a live experience not to be missed. BM |
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| 12:40: |
Trio Subtonic |
No secret to Northwest jazz aficionados, Trio Subtonic operate within simultaneously smooth, soulful and funk-heavy arrangements. Highlighted by the dazzling key-work of Galen Clark, the trio—rounded out by bassist Bill Athens and drummer Jesse Brooke—is a veritable monster hybrid of jazz fusion and a very welcome first-timer to PDX Pop Now! RJP |
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1:20: |
Satin Chaps |
Sixties soul-pop supergroup Satin Chaps have one of the most classically groovy sounds you’re likely to ever hear. Citing such yesteryear luminaries as the Bar-Kays, the Wailers and lots more funked-up, brass- and Hammond-heavy collectives as influences, consider yourself officially double-dog dared not to cut the nearest rug to shreds. RJP |
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Sunday – 7/21 Stage Two:
| 2:05: |
Warm Hands |
Warm Hands find beauty in the bleak, eschewing goth stereotypes by incorporating gorgeous, jangly drones that are as welcoming as they are disconcerting. Somehow owing as much to Wire as to Bauhaus, Warm Hands write sparse, cryptic songs that are as much about what is not heard as they are about what is heard. ANONYMOUS |
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| 2:45: |
Ghost Ease |
Not unlike early Breeders or fellow Portlander Scout Niblett, Ghost Ease’s Jem Marie weaves discordant harmonies and angular guitars for a wiry sort of grunge-punk that’s as haunting as it is hypnotic. This thrashy racket is likely setting Ghost Ease on the cusp of more than mere regional praise; along with drummer Nyasi, the duo’s self-released, self-titled LP is one of the best local releases of 2013. RJP |
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| 3:25: |
Unkle Funkle |
The bizarro, digital-outer space realms where Unkle Funkle chooses to send his cosmic compositions are freaky to say the least. Seemingly obsessed with male genitalia (see also: the January 2012 LP Picture of my D*ck for NSFW proof), Funkle gets down with productions covering wide swaths of crass experimental pop that implore your tongue to embed itself deeply within your cheek. RJP |
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Sunday – 7/21 Stage One:
| 4:10: |
Gaytheist |
In one incredibly loud fell swoop, Gaytheist orates upon the rigors of societal structure, sexual politics and the daily detritus of being a human roiling aimlessly in the groaning world. That they do this within the veil of hyper-energetic live shows, destructively sludgy punk and with frontman Jason Rivera’s trademark bow tie-and-suspenders getup is but one reason for them being maybe the most exciting heavy band in the city. RJP |
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| 4:50: |
Vice Device |
Call it New Wave, Darkwave, or No Wave, Portland’s Vice Device—Andrea K, Bobby Kaliber and Devin Welch—are making a gloomy splash regardless of how you choose to identify them. The trio’s creepily engaging patchwork includes weird synth manipulations offset by organic bass and percussion trade-offs that will leave you bewildered and bouncing simultaneously. RJP |
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| 5:30: |
Sun Angle |
Whoever said you can’t have everything didn’t know Sun Angle; good looks, charm, a great sense of humour, and chops for blocks. Charlie Salas Humara (Panther, Grapefruit, etc.) sings with a voice that echoes into infinity, ejecting spiraling guitar lines over Papi Fimbres’ (Paper/Upper/Cuts, O Bruxo, etc.) frenetic, tropical polyrhythms while Marius Libman (COPY, Regular Music, etc.) brings order to chaos with solid, rock steady bass. Sun Angle have found success in excess having created a supergroup that you can trust and a sound you can’t deny. TPC |
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Sunday – 7/21 Stage Two:
| 6:15: |
Litanic Mask |
The stark aural assault helmed by Litanic Mask is like a digital soundwave crashing into your ears. Kenna Jean and Mark Burden’s synth-y ambience is best observed eyes half-open, preferably on a dance floor and definitely open-minded. RJP |
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| 6:55: |
Witch Mountain |
Plotkin’s ballsy, bluesy vocals cast the grail holding Wrong and Munson’s dark, syrupy riffs and Carson’s thick, crunchy percussion. Witch Mountain’s been serving up a hot bowl of traditional doom since 1997 and there are few meals more satisfying. KEENAN ALEXANDER |
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| 7:35: |
The Memories |
As a tamer sibling to the punk rock juggernaut of White Fang, The Memories shuffle and groove with jangly doo-wop rock, pontificating on oral sex, regular sex, and…well, pretty much lots of sex. And getting stoned. All of which means it’s hilarious and strangely perfect. The band’s latest album, Love is the Law, is out now on Burger Records. RJP |
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Sunday – 7/21 Stage One:
| 8:20: |
Cassow |
Stressing disjointed beats and lyrical rigidity, Portland’s Cassow flips street-smart scripts for ambient sound foundations, serving as a lethal vehicle for his sermons. A revered veteran of PDX’s mixtape scene, 2012’s Future Classic LP ushered in a defiant statement from the young rhyme-schemer – that of a hood-loving bard hiding a heart of gold. RJP |
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| 9:00: |
Dangerous Boys Club |
Dangerous Boys Club torch through minimal wave with such unrepentance that one might imagine the songs literally extinguishing forever into nothingness behind the passing of every second. DBC ignites with the fleeting pleasure trade-off accompanying any risky decision—a nod towards the band’s greatest reward, which lies in vocalist Aaron Montaigne’s lyrical embrace of all things love and secularism. CC |
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| 9:40: |
Magic Fades |
Rising electronic R&B duo Mike Grabarek and Jeremy Scott of Magic Fades are sure to seduce your ears. Their racy Sims-like internet art sets the mood for the R&B pop magic that slowly caresses your ears. Their use of samples, beats, keys, guitar, and sultry vocals puts listeners under the Magic Fades spell and leaves them wanting more. LEAH HAAS |
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| 10:20: |
Slimkid3 ft. Doo Doo Funk AllStars |
As one of the four original members of LA’s hyper-influential hip-hop crew The Pharcyde, Slimkid3 is basically a legend. Okay, he’s totally legendary. Performing here with Portland’s Doo Doo Funk All Stars, Slim is likely to tear the roof off this mother, and there isn’t even going to be a roof. That’s power. Recognize. RJP |
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| 11:00: |
Shy Girls |
Portland has been blessed by the smooth sounds of Shy Girls since late 2011. We were thrilled to have the group play a breakout set at last year’s festival and are even happier to welcome them back again in 2013. Shy Girls have grown quickly from the solo recordings of group leader Dan Vidmar to fleshing out a live set that corrals seven very talented artists. Vidmar claims several influences that range from new jack swing to pop boy bands, and back to the sweet tunes of Motown soul and R&B. Take one listen and you’ll be feelin’ it. BM |
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