Now in its 12th iteration, FYF Fest should no longer be considered the underdog of all Summer music festivals. And yet, even as it has continued to grow in both size and scope, and put some top dollar on some of today’s most sough-out acts in indie music right now, a sense of familiarity continues to punctuate the festival’s old roots. I mean, another year, another Simian Mobile disco appearance, right?
Though we’re excited for some of this year’s acts making their first appearance (Frank Ocean, Jesus & Mary Chain, Belle & Sebastian) and others returning after having considerably raised their profile (Purity Ring, Death Grips, Dinosaur Jr.), what still makes FYF an exclusively local affair is how it continues to support and foster local talent. And this year’s undercard isn’t any different, with a slew of bludgeoning acts who will be performing at more intimate levels of interaction. So get there early, because as the festival has proved throughout the years, it’s that there’s no shortage of quality regardless of the time slot.
Below are some of our top local picks for FYF this year:
1. Frank Ocean: That new album should be coming soon, right? Though the Long Beach native has kept mum on any details regarding the follow-up to his breakthrough album Channel Orange, we know it’s coming soon. FYF is guaranteed to be the first place where he’ll preview some of his new material, and who knows, maybe he’ll drop that new album prior to his performance. Fingers crossed.
2. Goldroom: I have to admit: the first thing that comes to my mind when I read the name Goldroom is having a Happy Hour tequila shot with a cold PBR on the side. I’m not sure if he got his name from the famed Echo Park dive bar, but what I do know is that producer Josh Legg comes up with straight-up bangers that should get attendees dancing as the sun begins to set. His sun-dappled electro-pop precedes the more abstruse sounds of Shlohmo on Saturday night, another LA-based act whose impenetrable and more cerebral electronica should also not be missed.
3. JUNK: The retro-fitted indie rockers are not only opening this weekend’s ceremonies, but they’re also releasing a 7” inch via the festival’s own imprint. Prepare for a pulverizing 30 minutes of highly-charged tunes with a tinge of self-deprecation that evoke the likes of classic ramshackle rock n’ roll bands like The Replacements and The Damned.
4. Kevin Morby: The former Woods bassist/Babies co-founder has made a name for himself throughout the years with his outstanding solo material. His albums teeter between introspective folk and mellowed-out roots, with melodies that seem lackadaisical but are held together with a taut technicality to them. It’s the perfect match for his 2:35 Saturday slot.
5. Joyce Manor: A band that almost needs no introduction, the Torrance natives are no strangers to the festival. Expect another rousing set from a band who continues to follow through in pursuit of the perfect two minute pop-punk song.
And that’s just a small fraction of all the acts playing this year. For more info on this year’s set times, head on over to FYF’s official website. – LA Deli Staff