F**k Ya, F** Naw: Who to catch and miss at this year’s FYF

Well, it’s that time of year LA! FYF Fest is upon us, and while it’s one of the summer’s premier events, jam packed with highly anticipated acts, that doesn’t mean there are a few you should skip. Let’s dive into the lineup to see who’s a swing and who’s a miss.

 

Acts to Watch

Chelsea Wolfe

If you like your pop music with a large dose of gothic overtones, industrial tinge, and a whole lot of Marilyn Manson-esque stage presence, Chelsea Wolfe is for you. A truly unique voice in minimalist pop, she has toured with metalcore legends Converge on their “Blood Moon” European engagements, as well as touring all the time across the US. Definitely an artist to watch.

Denzel Curry
Coming off of two highly successful independently released albums and having his song “Ultimate” featured in a ton of internet videos, Denzel Curry is shaking up hip hop with his unique beats and overtly nerdy lyrics. The result is something entirely different than anything I’ve heard before, proving that the young upstart is worth of sharing the stage with the likes of Kendrick Lamar.

 

Explosions in the Sky

Having been a long time fan of the dreamy, post-rock EITS has released for years, I can safely say that any audience member looking to catch very intense feelings from instrumental music should look no further. Always a treat to see live, EITS is beautiful and haunting. Tissues are recommended.

Father John Misty
A former member of Fleet Foxes, Joshua Tillman’s alter ego is still cranking out his own style of acoustic folk on his terms. Still on top and still one of the best, Father John Misty’s live show is one for the books and can show just how massive acoustic music can be.

Hop Along
Having found this band through Motion City Soundtrack, Hop Along is a delight to the ears. A mixture of Bay Side style alternative rock and pop punk, the band puts on a highly energetic show which compliments their music perfectly. The young upstarts are going places, making them a band you should pay attention to.

 

Kendrick Lamar

I almost have to write nothing about this, because this is a given. Kendrick is one of the kings of hip hop currently and to miss out on this show would be a huge mistake. Not like anyone is going to, it’s just a reminder to not sleep on what will be nothing short of an excellent performance.

Saves the Day

Legendary emo groups performing seminal albums is something I live for, and Saves the Day is no exception. Call it nostalgia, but this album is a classic among many, including this reporter. Coupled with an insanely good live show, Saves the Day are looking like an act that will shut the whole place down.

Shellac

Widely unsung post-hardcore heroes Shellac are here to show the world that the old school isn’t dead. Right up there with Quicksand, Far and At the Drive-In, Shellac always delivers when you’re in need of something heavy, but not too heavy.

 

Acts to Pass On

Young Thug

I will forever get hate for dissing Young Thug from pretty much everyone and I will forever not care. His music is unintelligible, entirely vapid, and used by many as jokes or an example of what unlistenable noise actually sounds like.

Wolf Parade

Normally, I trust that an artist signed to Sub Pop records would be great, but this isn’t the case with Wolf Parade. The music is entirely boring and generic, pop music that has no substance. You shouldn’t waste your time on this band.

Tame Impala

Speaking of uninspired pop music, Tame Impala is what the sound of four people getting into a room and passively agreeing to write music sounds like to me.

 

Mac DeMarco

Always a hard pass for me, Mac’s music fits his aesthetic, but maybe he shouldn’t be going for that. Sloppy sounding, lazy, and horrendously messy looking and sounding, the music fails to satisfy on several levels.

Head Wound City

Almost as if this band got together, listened to everything DZ Deathrays had been doing for years, and agreed to completely rip it off, Head Wound City brings nothing new to the table.

 

 

Whether its hip-hop, post punk, hardcore, metal or indie, FYF has plenty to offer the masses that will be attending this weekend for the two day event. Catch the excitement this weekend, August 27th and 28 at Exposition Park in Los Angeles.