This Shaky Knees trip is number four for us. Thankfully we get to both enjoy and cover the Atlanta festival, kicking off our summer of fun. This year’s festival is once again at Centennial Park…the first year that we’ve seen it at the same venue. There are only 3 stages this year, so hopefully there won’t be the stairway of death from last year? It means we’ll all be packed in there together, one big indie-loving fam-damily. While we’re stoked for the entire lineup, we’ve picked out a few sets that we’re definitely not missing.
Friday:
Temples (Peachtree Stage, 2:15-3:00pm) – This English band hasn’t been around too long, but they’ve been *w*e*r*k*i*n*g* that is for sure. 2017’s Volcano has had a lot of positive reviews and it is good listening in my opinion. They play pretty early on Friday afternoon, but this is the kind of Shaky Knees random find that I love about this festival.
The Growlers (Piedmont, 4:00-5:00pm) – We missed their stop at Headliners and regretted it. These California guys have a California air that I really like. Others call it “Beach Goth.” Idk, but I like it.
Portugal. The Man (Peachtree, 6:30-7:30pm) – This crew hasn’t released a new album in a couple of years, but “Number One” and “Feel It Still” have us excited for whatever else they have coming. It is always a good show and apparently I’m really feeling the psychedelic rock vibes of several of the bands on the bill.
Saturday:
This day as a whole is pretty HUGE. I’m not even including Sylvan Esso and their new music or what I’m anticipating to be a legendary The XX set.
Foreign Air (Criminal Records Presents: Ponce de Leon, 1:30-2:15pm) – Kind of Glass Animals-y sounding and that is my festival vibe.
Bishop Briggs (Piedmont, 2:45-3:30pm) – This lady can flat out sing. Her voice is infectious. I want to see this in person.
Mondo Cozmo (Criminal Records Presents: Ponce de Leon, 4:15-5:00pm) – Josh Ostrander aka Mondo Cozmo hasn’t officially released any records, but he and his band are making the rounds at festivals this summer. They are coming to Forecastle, but I won’t miss this Shaky Knees set.
Moon Taxi (Piedmont, 7:00-8:00pm) – It’s been over a year since we’ve seen one of our favorite bands. A friend who saw them this weekend said they played some new music. That is the most exciting news.
Nick Murphy (Peachtree, 8:00-9:00pm) – I listened to a lot of Chet Faker my first year as a teacher. For some reason, I found him calming (or maybe just numbing) in those hectic times. Officially going by his real name, Murphy has a new EP, Missing Link, that will likely be
Sunday –
Hoops (Piedmont, 12:30-1:15pm) – Hoops are an upbeat and poppy. They are a Fat Possum artist and the internet says they are from Indiana, Bloomington specifically. HEYYYY. An early Sunday set is a little rough, honestly, but if they come through town any time soon, I’ll definitely be there.
Whitney (Piedmont, 1:45-2:30pm) – Whitney is different and I like different. Lead singer/drummer Julien Ehrlich’s voice is unreal. The 2016 release is full of hits. They are one of those bands where each time I hear there song I have to look it up but then remember that I love the song. It is complicated I know.
Warpaint (Piedmont, 4:30-5:30pm) – This all-girl group is very LA and very connected. The current (and former) lineup consists of musicians who not only kick ass as a group but have side hustle that is top notch.
The Shins (Peachtree, 7:00-8:00pm) – The Shins understand the importance of marinating. They are not quick in anything, which builds anticipation to say the least. For the first time in 5 years they have new music. It is very “Shins-esque” but still fresh and exciting.
Even if you aren’t joining us in Atlanta – I get it, that’s a lot of activity – listen to our playlist of these can’t miss acts. We’ll let you know how they are in person next week. 😉
-Aubrey
Live Music Louisville 