Friday and Saturday are going to require going out a bit early in order to take full advantage of all the great shows that Music Fest Northwest has provided. With Modest Mouse at the Crystal Ballroom being the only show on Sunday, here are our picks for the best shows that will be going on, hour by hour, on Friday with Saturday appearing tomorrow:
7pm – The Arctic Monkeys @ Wonder Ballroom
It is a rare occurrence when a band as big as those lovable, Brit-pop rockers The Arctic Monkeys come to the PDX. However, rocking out to some of their fun garage-y rock seems like the perfect beginning to a full-night of music. We should note that this show is a special one because entry will only be allowed for those with a MFNW wristband or a free, limited pass that can be picked up at Jackpot Records.
8pm – Southern Belle @ Satryicon
Southern Belle isn’t a household name around Portland yet but chances are they will be soon. Already a staple basement show band, their brand of lo-fi cabaret fun is refreshingly different. Southern Belle’s sound exist somewhere between a haunted house and The B-52’s. Spanning from paced, eerie waltzes to explosive emotional outburst, Southern Belle might be the best band playing MFNW that you didn’t see. We suggest you do.
9pm – Logan Lynn @ East End
Its back to the Eastside for another Portland act that is beginning to make waves around town. Logan Lynn’s electro-pop is reminiscent of a Postal Service without the awkward teen-angst. However, such comparisons should be left aside because Lynn’s music is all his own. Intricately layered sound-scapes backed by upbeat rhythms are perfectly accompany the emotionalism of Lynn’s honest lyrics which results in music that makes you want to dance and be reflective. The best kind, right?
10:30pm – The Soft Pack @ Dante’s
While the 10 o’clock hour offers a bunch of more NW local bands such as Karl Blau and Portland’s own, electro, post-punkers Reporter, we suggest checking a band that you wont get to see so easily in San Diego’s The Soft Pack. Formerly known as The Muslims, this four-piece plays a fun, raw stripped down garage-rock with a laid-back beach vibe that is all their own. Think The Strokes if they were surfers or Hot Snakes at a campfire.
12am - The Shaky Hands @ Someday Lounge
Much like Friday, there are a bunch of great bands playing the 11 and 12 o’clock hour and when it comes to decision time, it’s almost impossible to decide. Old-school D.C. rasta-punks Bad Brains has reunited and will be bringing their brand of fiercely-fast punk to the Roseland at 11pm. However, if you are someone who prefers something less intense, NYC’s oddity Chairlift will be performing their eclectic brand of electro-infused pop at Holocene at midnight while Japanther and their lo-fi party rock will be at Satyricon. However, our choice is the always-fun garage folk-rock of The Shaky Hands who never fail to put on one hell of a fun show. Call it our Northwest bias.
The Shaky Hands
Check back tomorrow for a special Pet Marmoset *Saturday Edition* for more MFNW suggestions.
Langhorne Slim @ the Crystal is also worth mentioning…great act!!!