Lindsay Pitts and Clifford John Usher together form the avant-garde group GEMS. Their debut album, out October 30th, will include a set list of sulky, ingenious and mystical pop. Kill The Ones You Love includes the engulfing single "Soak", which starts off with dreamy guitar strums and finger snaps until it ignites into entrancing synth transitions once the chorus hits. GEMS has a way of hypnotizing their listeners with powerful lyrics on loss of love, fighting the pain and treading the water in order to save yourself. Anyone suffering or who has suffered from heartache can connect to the lyrical compassion of "Soak", trapping us in the haunting drops of every beat and capturing the essence of what it takes to move on.

GEMS begins their North American Tour on October 9th at the Troubadour. For Fall dates head on over to their website as well as their Soundcloud to hear more from Kill The Ones You Love. – Kayla Hay

It was only ten (TEN!) years ago that spiky, nervy indie rock made an impact with the likes of bands like Wolf Parade, Metric, and Hot Hot Heat. And though those days are long gone now, new acts like Silver Lake’s Decorations possess a joyful gravitas reminiscent of a time when guitars and snyths could co-exist together without overshadowing the other. "Oh, fuck those girls", singer/songwriter Devon Geyer cries on his latest track "Girls", though I’m not sure if he’s being callously subversive or ckeekily fresh. It’s actually a conquering anthem about not settling for less, to find someone worth your time instead of vacillating from one meaningless hookup to the next. Either way, Geyer chugs that guitar like there’s no tomorrow, gurgling those verses like Dan Boeckner with a blaring synth marking his every affectation. It wouldn’t seem odd if I’d expect Geyer to wear a handsome fur while on tour, now would it? 

"Girls" is featured on Decorations’ debut EP of the same name, which is due out on October 16 via Frenchkiss records. – Juan Rodríguez

Ghosts in the Pocket are a raw, passionate five-piece that holds an open-hearted rock sound with just a dash of brooding post-punk attitude. Their latest single, "Barberton", has a driving, rhythmic energy with a sustained melodic intensity that soars with warm expressiveness. If the song immediately strikes a chord it’s because of its sweet expansiveness, bolstering the kind of hook that engages despite its familiar trappings.

"Barberton" can be found on their latest EP of the same same, which the band will self-release on October 9. – Juan Rodríguez

San Diego indie pop outfit Inspired & the Sleep are all about sustaining a sly groove in lockstep. Their latest single, "In My Labyrinth Mind", is a swanky stomper with a suave, horn-led chorus that exhibits songwriting duo Max Greenhalgh and Byrce Outcault’s knack for a crisp pop hook, comparable to the likes of other breezy, atmospheric jazz-inspired bands like The Sea & Cake and The American Analog Set. 

"In My Labyrinth Mind" is the latest single off the band’s upcoming release, entitled Eyelid Kid, which makes its way to all digital outlets this coming October. – Juan Rodríguez

Complimenting her first single, “She Talks Too Much”, Elohim’s latest, “Xanax”, creates a stimulating, relaxing emotion similar to the effects of the actual medication. Elohim has taken on a whole new meaning to the original text as the electro-pop artist takes a step into the luxurious spotlight of true LA creativity. After closely listening to both singles of the AA-Side single, released July 24th, I have come to the conclusion that there are conscious similarities with “She Talks Too Much” and “Xanax”. One dealing with a girl who obliviously talks too much, and the other dealing with panic attacks and taking a drug that calms you down. Hop in the car, roll your windows down and cruise to The Rickshaw Shop on October 2nd in San Francisco to see her live. – Kayla Hay

This year’s slew of local talent at FYF wasn’t as unpredictable as other years, seeing as the festival booked many familiar faces who happened to be promoting either recent or new releases. Though it left something to be desired, bringing back proven talent does provide a sense of camaraderie and loyalty to an event that is increasingly advancing into the upper echelons of Summer music festivals.

Take a look at some of our highlights from this year’s festival, some of which we’re sure will make future appearances if you’re kicking yourself for having missed them this time around.

Day 1:

The Los Angeles band JUNK opened the festival, christening the Trees Stage with a whirlwind of garage indie rock from their recently released single “Like A Cop”, the first pressing of FYF’s side-venture FYF Records. Despite slaying the night before at Non Plus Ultra with Broncho and Shitgiver, Evan Weiss & co. had lots of energy to burn even though their set was less than 30 minutes. – Words: Ryan Mo // Photo Credit: Carl Pocket for FYF Fest

On the other side of the festival grounds, classic singer-songwriter Kevin Morby also opened the festival at the Lawn Stage with a serene, methodical set that exhibits his zest for soothing, reflective folk melodies. His words were few but his presence was felt, bringing a cool vibe to a sizable amount of attendees who were ready to absorb some pleasant, sun-drenched melodies. – Words: Juan Rodríguez // Photo Credit: Chris Carrasquillo for FYF Fest

Mikal Cronin took the Lawn Stage with opener “Turn Around” from his newest drop MCIII, a blend of scorching fuzz chords and 1960’s pop hooks for sweating fans. Cronin’s start-stop “Apathy” and MCII’s “Weight” hearkened back to his debut performance at 2013’s FYF, right before the festival changed from the Historic Park venue to Exposition Park. – Words: Ryan Mo // Photo Credit: Carl Pocket for FYF Fest

 
South Bay’s Joyce Manor has become a staple for FYF, taking a slot every year since 2012, and no one is complaining. Performing at the Main Stage just before Dinosaur Jr., the pop punkers drew from their entire discography, from first album hits like “Leather Jacket” to songs from 2014’s release Never Hungover Again like “Christmas Card”. To top it off, Joyce Manor closed out with a cover of Weezer’s “You Gave Your Love to me Softly”. – Words: Ryan Mo // Photo Credit: Todd Seelie for FYF Fest

Slated for a late-evening set, avant grade producer Shlohmo bought back his searing, beatmaking talents to an audience that was yearning for a refresher after Goldroom’s sprightly set. Utilizing a full band, he managed to surprise the crowd with abstruse, though rhythmic dynamics that can stimulate both body and soul. A veteran to the festival, it was a revelation to see him come into his own as such a confident performer, one whose dark electronic passages always emit a chink of hopeful light. – Words: Juan Rodríguez // Photo Credit: Chris Carrasquillo for FYF Fest
 
Day 2:

If you weren’t keeling over from dehydration and exhaustion, you probably received an early greeting from Girlpool at the Lawn Stage. Fans matted the grass as the LA-to-Philly duo lulled onlookers with hits from their album Before the World Was Big. – Words: Ryan Mo // Photo Credit: Carl Pocket for FYF Fest

After a set cut short from New Yorks’ experimental trio Battles, HEALTH took The Trees by force with“STONEFIST”, the second-track banger of their newest album Death Magic. Jupiter Keyes pummeled the bass as the crowds violently convulsed, moshing and headbanging to the “DIE SLOW” and “GOTH STAR”. Their set was unfortunately cut short after the slow-moving “LIFE”, prompting HEALTH to finish with the half-minute dissonant freakout “GIRL ATTORNEY”. – Words: Ryan Mo  // Photo Credit: Chris Carrasquillo for FYF Fest

A slithering guitar lead is the first you notice about recent Emerging Artists winners Kid Bloom’s latest single "Annalise". Built around a warped blues composition, the five-piece play around with a crafty, atypical time signature over Lennon Kloser’s impassioned vocal deliery before it goes into a full-on power-pop coda. The video for the track was directed by movie star Gary Oldman, who provides a no bells-and-whistles approach by giving it the simple treatment of emulating the band’s visceral essence in a live setting. 

Kid Bloom are playing a headlining show at Silverlake Lounge on Tuesday, September the 8th. – Juan Rodríguez

"Darkest Summer" is the debut single by songwriting duo Hidden Mountains, a sparse, slowcore-inspired ballad that should make good company for those lazy late-summer days spent in the shade. The track by Chris Howard and Gabriel Arniella is gently performed, its piano keys and synthetic drum patterns played with ample leisure like a steady breeze rippling the surface of a serene ocean. "Kiss me and I’m yours", they both harmonize in unison, with a sluggish delivery that makes us believe they’re wading in the middle of a fever dream.  

Hidden Mountains’ debut album comes out sometime in late September. – Juan Rodríguez

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

Emily Clibourn first belted out her very essence on her single "Fools Gold", a classic torch song in which she wraps her smoky vocals around an atmospheric jazz groove. She’s awfully more determined on her latest, entitled "Burgundy", as if Clibourn has let go off that no-good scum for a far more valuable companion: herself. "I’ve got 17 ways to make we go wild", she sings playfully with a confidence that’s both sensual and elegant. 

Clibourn is set to release her first solo project sometime in October. – Juan Rodríguez

Highland Park quintet Slow Coda write spectral-sounding pop songs that are tailor-made for those transient moments worth remembering. Crisp, sparkling balladry affects most their latest EP You Again, which is the first time the project operates as a full band as opposed to their beginnings as bedroom recorders to give their live shows more resonance. Driven by lead single "Used to Know", most of the EP goes by quickly with its galloping rhythms and lush, swerving guitar lines. But it’s not all just perky abandon – there’s a graceful sophistication in their fragile passages that reveals an intent to yield their immaculate songs in a carefully-sequenced manner.

Slow Coda is currently preparing for the official physical release of You Again, which will be available in cassette form through Weiner Records. – Juan Rodríguez

Sierra Madre four piece White Dove write immaculate pop songs that chime gently like a cool breeze. There’s a touch of soft-rock sophistication in their slick mid-tempo arrangements, though their use of textural guitar lines with a slight country flair proves they intend to produce a more grainy, atmospheric sound.

There hasn’t been any news since the release of “Caroline” late last year, as they’re working on new material; that said, having performed a few shows during the Summer is good reason to believe the follow-up to 2013’s “The Hoss, The Candle” may appear any time soon.