Ten Acts to Remember at Treasure Island
The Treasure Island Music Festival has a reputation for having some of the most established acts, as well as extremely talented up and comers who’s albums are just gaining attention.
Ten act to remember at Treasure Island:
Shabazz Palaces
One of the hottest up-and-coming hip-hop groups to bless the scene since in the last decade, and they’ve only released one album, 2011’s Black Up. This hip-hop collective creates a harmonious sound with a heavy bass line, light piano keys, and a lyrics that complement the production rather than taking it over. Palaceer Lazaro, is responsible for the lyrics; his flow is one crafted for from decades in the game as apart of groups like Digable Planets and Cherrywine. “He uses words as a vessel to usher us all into the future—a shimmering, unifying world where dreams are attained and actions are currency. Let’s all go there together,”
Flying Lotus
Flying Lotus has defined a generation of Drum ‘n’ Bass since entering the scene in the mid 2000’s. Since then Flying Lo has created his own music label (Brain Feeder) to serve as a platform to pursue, sustain, and expand the genre he has dedicated his life to perfecting. Different than Dilla but a master in his own right the way he uses a drum machine with heavy jazz influences, eccentric sounds and poetic drums. Flying Lotus continues to define a more sophisticated side of drum ‘n’ bass with one of the better live shows, utilizing a live band to enhance his performances.
Death From Above 1979
DFA has had one wild year. Since announcing their reunion in February, band mates Jesse F. Keeler, and Sebastien Grainger have led one of the greatest reunion tours of all time; playing pretty much every major festival on the planet. They make their first San Francisco appearance on Saturday, their first since a 2005 show at the Independent. There’s sure to be a ton of loyal fans in attendance, along with new comers who will be forced by the hype that surrounds them; and if their set is anything like the one they had at Coachella, Treasure Island attendees are in for a treat.
Yacht
Once a solo project headed by Jona Bechtolt in 2006, Yacht expanded in 2008 to include longtime collaborator Claire L. Evans as a full member, contributing vocals to many of the songs on their break through 2009 album See Mystery Lights. Since then, Yacht has created a signature sound that stands out among other electro pop bands. Their sound features live instruments with a precise but not overpowering electronic influence.
Cut Copy
Cut Copy followed up their amazing 2008 release In Ghost Colours with another great project, Zonoscope, in 2011. The Australian band their euphoric, starry-eyed dance-rock sound that is both aesthetically pleasing and beautifully inspiring on Saturday.
Empire of the Sun
Since releasing their debut album Walking on a Dream in 2008, Empire of the Sun has taken their music global; hitting several major festivals over the past three years including Outside Lands 2010 and Coachella 2011. Not only do they bring their music alive with arguably the most incredible visuals in music; their costumes and showmanship are just as compelling. There’s a reason why they are headlining the already strong bill on Saturday.
St. Vincent
The lovely Annie Clark, lead singer and head of the band St. Vincent, followed up her fantastic 2009 breakthrough album Actors with another flawless project Strange Mercy last month. Her voice has such natural beauty, as she intriguingly creates dark scenes; with a sophisticated twist beyond what you would ever expect from such a otherwise wholesome looking “girl next door”. Complementing her vocals is an ingenious combination of live band production that create as sophisticated as Clarks’ voice.
Explosions in the Sky
Many thought that the last project from Explosions in the Sky, All of the Sudden I Miss Everyone, was going to be their final offering, but in 2011 they blessed us all with another great project, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care. Their signature sound of soft, instrumental rock has the ability to be somber one moment, then explode with incredible drum and guitar play the next.
The Antlers
What once started as a solo project by Peter Silberman has become a full-on indie rock movement. Since expanding the group to include Michael Lerner and Darby Cicci, the band has continued to push its music by expanding with heavy electronic influences. The result is an healthy addition of depth and brilliance to a collection of already talented musicians.
Friendly Fires
Band mates Ed Macfarlane, Jack Savidge and Edd Gibson have been playing music together since the age of 14; but didn’t begin playing under the name Friendly Fires until 2006. They released their extraordinary self-titled debut in 2008 and have yet to look back. Their 2011 offering Pala takes off right where their debut left off, in terms of confidently relying on their unique style and mesmerizing energy. Their signature sound consist of wide range of tracks with relentless energy.
Honorable Mentions
Battles
Death Cab for Cutie
Beach House
Aloe Blacc
