Governors Ball Music Festival 2014: Day 3 Recap
The last day featured a lot of great acts, here's what you missed out on:
One to watch:
BANKS
Dressed in sultry, black garments, BANKS set off Governor's Ball on Sunday with a killer set. The "Goddess" strutted around the stage, belting out tracks off her debut album, due out this fall. People in the crowd had their hands up throughout her entire set, and reacted to all her songs, especially "Change," "This Is What It Feels Like," and "Waiting Game." Though her stage presence exudes power and confidence, BANKS timid nature revealed it self when she repeatedly conveyed her disbelief and humility, making her all the more likable. I felt so proud watching a fellow Trojan dominate one of the early Sunday sets. If BANKS keeps this up, she could be the next (and even surpass) Lana Del Rey with her smooth vocals and stage swagger.
Most underrated:
The Head and the Heart
The Seattle natives definitely held up the indie folk genre at the Governor's Ball. The 6-member band killed their set that included their hit "Down in the Valley," and their Newtown tragedy-inspired song, "Another Story." The crowd that was there was loving the band's sound that consists of rock, folk and synth-pop elements. When violinist and only female member of the band, Charity Thielen, belted on during, "Rivers and Roads," the crowd went wild. The band's energy, deep lyrics and soulful fun was contagious throughout their set. Bottom line, they're just really good.
Vampire Weekend
There is nothing like watching Vampire Weekend play on home turf of New York City, which inspired their latest album, "Modern Vampires Of The City." Kicking off the set with "Diane Young," Vampire Weekend instantly energized the crowd with playful vocals and speedy guitar licks--literally everyone had their hands up and shouted every word. Following that, the band pummeled through a string of hits, including "Horchata," "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa," and "A-Punk," and the audience enjoyed every second of it. After a mini jam session, the quartet continued their set playing their newer catalog, including "Ya Hey" and a personal favorite of mine, "Obvious Bicycle." After playing "Hannah Hunt" and "One (Blake's Got a New Face)," Ezra, Chris, Rostam, and Chris ended their set with their traditonal goodbye song "Walcott." During "Walcott," the eccentric Ezra Koenig ran into the crowd, high fiving audience members and throwing stacks of two dollar bills at festival goers. Before the band made an exit, Ezra quipped, "Those are two dollar bills are for good luck, New York. Good night." It was a good night indeed.
Reach Contributor Katie Chen here. Follow her on Twitter here.
Reach Contributor Joyce Lee here. Follow her on Twitter here.