Kevin Bronson on April 19th, 2010

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Who: Owen Pallett at the Outdoor Theatre.
In 3 Or Fewer Words: Bowed And bold.
I’ll Remember This Forever Because: On a day that was arguably the most difficult of Coachella’s three to schedule, at least for indie kids, Owen Pallett earned a penned-in spot on my calendar. The violin-centric multi-instrumentalist, formerly known as Final Fantasy, took to the sun-baked Outdoor Theatre to attempt songs from the difficult “Heartland.” An avant-garde blend of electronic loops and feverish, classical-minded string arrangements bent into pop songs by Pallett’s soft tenor, it’s material that rewards – but is hardly at home in a blinding desert afternoon. Pallett seemed to know it, too: “This is so crazy!” he said between songs, unable to restrain a Pee-Wee Herman giggle. “It’s blowing my mind.” Though it’s bodily pleasures one tends to seek at Coachella, Pallett’s mental mission was a welcome break in a day of more visceral action.
What I’d Tell My Friend Who Was at Local Natives: I was there, too! Sometimes, set times smile upon us. The Natives, by the way, rampaged through the Gobi Tent like Motley Crue through a Hilton (hotel room or sister). If it wasn’t official yet, they’ve arrived.
– David Greenwald (Rawkblog)