FYF Fest, Day 1: Dispatches from the Tent

Kevin Bronson on September 2nd, 2012

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[Photos and capsule reviews of selected sets from the Broadway Street Stage (The Tent) at Saturday’s FYF Fest:]

Dam-Funk, Tycho, Tanlines, Nite Jewel, John Maus, Doldrums

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||| Photos by Laurie Scavo

More photos and reviews after the jump:

You Should’ve Been Here Because: It was like a night at the movies. Tycho, aka Scott Hansen, delivered a riveting set of live electronica in the warm confines of the dance/comedy tent. Hansen, his drummer and his bassist were silhouetted on stage in front of occasionally spectacular visuals, which, combined with the execution of his precise instrumentals, served to speak in a language of its own to the enthusiastic crowd. Tycho’s might be ambient music, but it doesn’t drone; Hansen’s compositions elicit a wide range of emotions instead of one, and the melodies and tones of his synths have a lyrical quality. Tycho was the surprise of the day.

The Downside: Almost missed Quicksand.

Postscript: And to think that six hours earlier in that very same tent, John Maus did karaoke.
– Kevin Bronson

TANLINES

You Should Have Been Here Because: “We never write up a set list, we just prefer to watch the interaction of two grown men on stage. It’s part of the bromance of this band.” That bromance was shared with everyone under the tent, as it filled quickly with people running from all corners to catch this Brooklyn duo. A happy party kicked off with “Brothers” from their first full length, “Mixed Emotions,” which was released earlier this year. Featuring Eric Emm on guitar and vocals, and Jesse Cohen on keyboards, percussion and MC duties, the two created a feel-good vibe throughout the tent. Tanlines were just as effective on a more rocking number like “Green Grass” as they were in getting people to throw their hands in the air wildly for “Not the Same.” Cohen summarized the band playfully: “We heard there was a comedy tent that would turn into a rave tent, and we said ”˜Put us somewhere in-between.’” Mission accomplished, as the place completely blew up for the final track and big single, “All of Me.”

The Downside: 45 minutes wasn’t enough. I know, I know, they don’t have tons of material yet, but ”¦

Postscript: If anyone is going to knock Cut Copy from their perch as the festival band where bros and hipsters can come together for a good time, it’s Tanlines.
– Mo Herms