BEST OF FUN
Which performances were highlights of Fun Fun Fun Fest’s 10th anniversary?
Fun Fun Fun Fest had many triumphs over the weekend, including the replacement of late cancellations D’Angelo and Desaparecidos with Ms. Lauryn Hill and Archers of Loaf, whose performances were among the weekend’s best.
Festival founder Graham Williams admitted that booking Hill, known for inconsistency and late starts, was risky. But he said he thought it paid off with her 90-minute set that closed the festival Sunday.
“I don’t know if this is her comeback moment or not,” Williams said. “But whatever footing she was looking for before, she found it and we were proud to have her on our stage for our 10-year anniver-
sary.”
Here’s a look at some of the weekend’s other musical highlights. For more, go to our Austin Music Source blog at Austin360.com.
Jane’s Addiction: Perry Farrell, vocalist and occasional sound guy to himself for the night, seemed as lively and electric as ever, whether twisting volume knobs on his mixer, sipping tea, spinning in circles or arching back with his mouth wide open to the heavens howling. Guitarist Dave Navarro effortlessly strolled the stage shredding, busting the occasional power move and giving an approving half-nod to a rabid fan screaming in the front row, as the band ripped through their classic album “Ritual De Lo Habitual” in its entirety. — Eric Pulsifer
Future Islands: Near the end of the Baltimore synthpop band’s 11-song set, singer Samuel T. Herring revealed that Fun Fun Fun would be “our last show in the U.S. for a long time.” It felt like these special circumstances drove Future Islands to an especial- ly energized performance. Granted, Herring’s captivating stage presence is his trademark, but on this night his endless kinetic flow of fullbody twists, jerks, hops and thrusts seemed intensified as he led the band through favorites from last year’s “Singles” album such as “Light House” and “Seasons (Waiting on You),” as well as older tunes including “Balance” and “Vireo’s Eye.” — P.B.
American Football: The Illinois band brought their 15-years-in-the-making reunion to FFF and found what they’ve likely found worldwide: fans who can’t believe what they’re finally seeing. The first time drummer Steve Lamos pulled out his trumpet, fans punched the sky in jubilee. The set carried the feeling of meeting a longlost family member you had only heard stories about. The band luxuriated in prolonged emotional jams, with Mike Kinsella and Steve Holmes’ sinewy guitars tugging on
well-rooted heartstrings and Nate Kinsella’s bass adding something new that made it all feel a little more tangible. — Eric Webb
Shamir: The Las Vegasbased singer brought the sun on Saturday. A few songs into his afternoon set, fittingly enough during the song “Head in the Clouds,” a few rays of light broke through an otherwise drizzly day. The sun stuck around to add warm vibes to his signature underground hit “On The Regular.” Shamir, who’s charmed music critics with his 2015 dance music debut “Ratchet,” had a similar effect on the FFF crowd. — D.S.S.
Neon Indian: Wait, when did Alan Palomo and Neon Indian become rock stars? Forget that the crowd was undoubtedly bolstered by those jostling for Wu-Tang Clan real estate Saturday evening. The chillwave pioneers are a fully realized, mass pop outfit. From the tropical vice of new indiepop single “Annie” and the Members Only strut of “The Glitzy Hive,” the 27-year-old Palomo had us swaying far behind the sound booth. A fluorescent pool hall sign that flashed “Night School” signaled a sort of Texas highway watering hole aesthetic: These are retro-fitted ’80s jams, yes, but they pack a seedy, forward attitude. — Ramon Ramirez
Alvvays: Bright and sunny pop music on a radiant blue sky day: Sunday was tailor-made for Canadian band Alvvays, which drew a large late-afternoon crowd and further extended the good relationship they’ve developed with Austin through buzzy SXSW appearances. Even if you didn’t already know the songs on their 2014 self-titled debut album, they’re the kind of tunes that sink in quickly, thanks to lead singer Molly Rankin’s
clear and sweet vocal delivery. The only downside was the brevity of the 30-minute set. —P.B.
Babes in Toyland and
Drive Like Jehu: A few years ago, in the sketch “The Dream of the ’90s is Alive in Portland,” the TV show “Portlandia” got some traction out of reminding everyone the 1990s were pretty great. “Remember when people were content to be unambitious? Sleep to 11? Just hangout with their friends?” It was pretty easy to transport oneself back during sets by both Minneapolis noise-rockers Babes in Toyland in the afternoon and San Diego proggy-punk act Drive Like Jehu in the evening. Both bands have hit the reunion circuit, and reminded audiences of a time when lots of bands were around that sounded like them and those times are long gone. — Joe Gross
Doomtree: Six members strong with two producers and four emcees who have each other’s backs, Doomtree is a reminder of how powerful a hip-hop crew can be. Taking turns spitting furious flows over stormy melodics and skittery electronic beats, their set was a demonstration of strength in numbers. By the time they closed with a bombastic version of “Bangarang,” it’s safe to say many of the casual listeners were new fans. — D.S.S.
Mutoid Man: If you want to make an impression at 2 in the afternoon, you have to come in with a headlining swagger. Mutoid Man played like people paid just for them, and as one of the most exciting current metal bands, they’re bound to move up in the ranks. Steve Brodsky can sing and thrust his guitar with Headbanger’s Ball abandon without coming off as ironic. —Andy O’Connor