The thing about music festivals is that they're unpredictable. You can discover new bands, watch collaborations that you never thought possible, be entertained by both headliners and small font bands, see surprise performers, maybe have the chance to meet bands, and also see more sets in three days then you usually would in 3 months. This unpredictability factor, did NOT work in my favor at beginning of Voodoo Music Fest.
As I've written about many times, British folk-rocker Frank Turner is one of my favorites. I've seen him multiple times this year, most recently at his epic Fillmore show in San Francisco just one month prior. But I still always look forward to seeing Frank the next time, and must admit that was the main reason that drove me to Voodoo. Frank was set to play a solo show on the acoustic stage Friday afternoon before his main evening slot with Sleeping Souls. Unfortunately, Turner was hit with some nasty food poisoning the night prior, canceling both of his sets.
The cancellation was probably the low point for me in Concert Season 2015. I didn't even want to be at the festival anymore, but figured I had to get my moneys worth. So the show went on, and I must admit improved drastically throughout the weekend. As you'll read below, I saw some amazing sets, and also...how can you not have a great time being in New Orleans for Halloween weekend?! The festival has a great backdrop and obviously plentiful options for post-festival fun.
The Top 5 Sets of Voodoo Music Fest:
5. Modest Mouse
The one consolation prize of the Frank Turner cancellation was that it cleared up my schedule in order to see Modest Mouse on Friday evening. The legendary indie-rock band attracted a large crowd to the main stage, although it looked like most may have just been waiting for future headliner Florence & the Machine.
Modest Mouse gave the crowd a solid 75 minutes of songs
spanning their entire catalogue. They opened with ‘The World at Large,’ showing
off the large band. Throughout the set, they touched all their greatest hits – 'Dashboard,' 'Missed the Boat,' and 'Float On.' Lead singer Isaac Brock sounded great great singing all
of them.
The new material from Modest Mouse is very solid as well.
They released their first album in 8 years back in June – Strangers to Ourselves. Their two
lead singles – ‘Lampshades on Fire’ and ‘A Ground Walks, With Time in the Box' have to be two of
the most unique and catchy singles I’ve heard all year. I’d see these guys
again for sure.
In between rain storms on Saturday afternoon, the alt-rock fans in attendance were treated to a great set by Joywave. The Only Music Blog has crossed paths with these guys before, reviewing their opening gig for The Kooks over the summer. As was similar in that show, front man Daniel Armbruster carried the group with his unique vocals and hilarious personality on stage.
Armbruster sarcastically joked about the group recently winning an award for best album released by any band in the Rochester, NY area in 2015. He seemed comically awkward on stage, but is for sure an entertainer. Joywave has received great radio play this summer through singles 'Now' and 'Somebody New.' Their 2015 release How Do You Feel Now? is probably in my top 15 for the year.The set highlight came at the conclusion of their performance. In the middle of 'Tongues,' their most popular song, the bass cut out and the crowd stood around looking puzzled. Joywave then abruptly started playing 'Destruction,' a loud synth-infused tune with a great whistling rhythm. This had everyone jumping. Armbruster even shouted his signature 'THIS IS THE GREATEST SONG EVER WRITTEN!' before beginning the vocals. Funny guy and good music.
3. The Struts (acoustic set)
Setup near the entrance to the festival was a 30x60 tent
with a small acoustic stage, sponsored by Toyota. Throughout the weekend,
smaller font bands played 20-30 minute sets. For me personally, this worked out
great as a second opportunity to see The Struts.
The Struts are a young glamor-rock-alternative band from
England. Their lead single ‘Could Have Been Me’ is receiving solid radio play
on alternative stations, and the backing EP is just as strong. These guys
definitely had the most packed acoustic set, which benefitted from attracting
extra spectators to get out of the pouring Saturday afternoon rain.
Lead singer Luke Spiller sat front and center, accompanied
by his three band mates with acoustic guitars. While working out some minor
sound issues, Luke asked the crowd if they would like to hear a cover? They
then jumped into ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger,’ my personal favorite song, from
their idols, Oasis. Spiller sang it beautifully and received some help from the
sing-a-long friendly crowd.
The Struts went on to play 5 additional acoustic songs. This
included a new song not even featured on the album – ‘She Makes Me Feel Like.’
I have a feeling that these guys are going to head into the studio and make an
epic record, with this being the lead single. It was very cool getting to see
them in such a small tent right now. They’re gonna get bigger.
2. Florence and the Machine
There's no denying that Florence is one of the biggest bands in the world today. She headlined Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and even GLASTONBURY in 2015. She already has plans to headline both Hangout Fest and Firefly in 2016. The opportunity to see Florence with only 40,000 other people is probably considered one of her smaller gigs these days.
I was lucky to catch a full concert by Florence back in June, reviewed here, from the Merriweather Post Pavilion. This time, it was a bigger crowd and a festival atmosphere, headlining the main stage and playing against EDM supergroup 'Jack U.'
The backing band took the stage first, all dressed in NOLA-themed 'Voodoo' Halloween costumes. Florence followed, dressed in a pink pants suit and wearing black and white skeleton makeup. The British singer songwriter played well into the outfit, seeming almost possessed at times as she opened with 'What the Water Gave Me.'
Two of her biggest hits followed with 'Ship to Wreck' and 'Shake It Out.' The Voodoo crowd was loving it as Florence boasted the most energetic set of the day at times, while also being able to slow things down and show off her powerful vocals on slower numbers. The setlist followed a similar look to her other headlining gigs this summer, highlighted by the always enjoyable 'Rabbit Heart' and greatest hit 'Dog Days Are Over.'
Overall, Florence did not quite match the same level of energy as the Merriweather show, but she came pretty close. I'd say she was in the crowd at 3-4 different times throughout the set, and even ran down to the sound booth in just a bra at one point, after encouraging the entire crowd to strip down with her. The 14-song set was complete in under 90 minutes, feeling a bit quick for a headliner. But I can't really say anything too negative...she's definitely a professional headliner.
1. The Struts
Yes, yes…The Struts are appearing on this list twice. But
they completely deserve it. I got myself a spot on the rail for their Saturday
afternoon set and it was an absolutely epic experience. Luke Spiller came out
soaking up the applause like Kanye would. They stretched 8 songs into the best
hour long set of the weekend.
‘Could Have Been Me’ was played second and was the only song
that the majority of the crowd knew. Regardless though, the crowd seemed to get
more and more into it as the set progressed. Spiller displayed some powerful
vocals and one of a kind on-stage charisma. It’s easy to see why so many
compare him to Freddie Mercury. The Struts in general even have a Queen sound
to them.
Best songs were ‘Kiss This,’ ‘Put Your Money on Me,’ and
‘Where Did She Go?,’ which had everyone jumping as the set closer. Spiller did
a great job of keeping the audience entertained and even getting them involved.
During ‘Let's MAke This Happen tonight’ he hopped down from the stage and over the barrier into the
crowd. He then split the crowd in two for some competitive crowd participation.
It was fun to be there and unlike anything else I’ve seen from a band this
year.
As I mentioned above, these guys are primed to blow up soon.
Once they put out their debut album, I expect a much bigger tour and higher
positions on future festival lineups. Heck, their energy at Voodoo made me
think they could have headlined that very night! Spiller said it best as the
fans were applauding at the end of their set – “Remember the name! We are The
Struts!” These guys are officially ones to watch.
In conclusion, despite the Frank Turner cancellation, Voodoo still impressed. It's definitely a smaller festival size-wise, but a big enough name to draw national headliners. I'm happy to say that I experiences two new festivals in 2015 with Voodoo and Shaky Knees. I would definitely consider a return to Voodoo in the future, especially for the chance to get back to the great city of New Orleans. All eyes are on Next Big Thing as the final festival (1-day) event of the year!
By the way....although it's not listed here, overall weekend highlight may have been running into Stephen Jenkins of Third Eye Blind at a NOLA bar on Saturday night. Absolutely epic getting to meet one of the best frontmen of the past 10 years!
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