Words by Carly Creed, photos by Charles Poladian
Read Part 1 of our experience here
It is common practice for summer festivals to be rain or shine affairs. When outdoor events are subjected to thunderstorms, the day’s pleasure is at risk. Day 2 of Camp Bisco featured some ugly passing thunder showers as the day wore on. Fortunately, Camp Bisco X was well organized and the patrons were dedicated to the party as the fields were busy with people long into the night. It’s easy to understand why though, considering the lineup. From noon to early into the next morning, bands and DJs assembled by The Disco Biscuits played before the huge crowd of loyal festival goers.
It felt nice to be back on the festival grounds around the early afternoon on Day Two of Camp Bisco. The sun was high in the sky but there were signs of rain. This, however didn’t stop anyone as they bustled around, getting to the next stage or standing by the busy shops and stands for a bite to eat.
I was able to catch the tail end of Indobox at the Main Stage. Opening acts are cursed with overcoming the hurdle of setting the tone for the rest of the day and Indobox truly delivered. A notably enjoyable moment was their cover of Miike Snow’s “Animal.” Their music was consonant with the general attitude of the festival with its lighthearted sound, surging electronic bass lines and frantic dance beats.
A full gallery for Day 2 of Camp Bisco and more of the review after the jump
Similarly, Papadosio has carved a place for themselves at Camp Bisco, where their passion for experimentation, improvisation, genre fusion, and electronic wanderings is encouraged. The comparison to The Disco Biscuits would not be far off base but they manage to distinguish themselves. Jammy and jazzy, their songs are filled with warm, tumbling guitar riffs that was pleasurable to listen to while lounging in the field.
As the sun blazed in the afternoon sky, Easy Star All-Stars blazed onto the stage with their catchy raggae sounds. While their original work is engaging and funky like in the title work from their latest album “First Light,” they really shine with their raggae-inspired covers of The Beatles, Radiohead, Joe Cocker and Pink Floyd. The set was tight, each instrument loudly and harmoniously with the rest of the band all united by solid vocals.
One of the most interesting aspects of music festivals is the tendency for acts that follow each other to complement the natural rhythm of the day, grabbing patrons and lifting them to the climax and easing them down to a valley before thrusting them into another peaking climax. Such is the relationship between Break Science featuring RJD2 (missing Redman) and Black Moth Super Rainbow.
Break Science were met by fans well-worked over by the Easy Star All Star set and they took it up a notch. Changing gears, the collaborative DJ set was throbbing and free wheeling. They wanted that crowd to dance and the urgency was translated into the music. From hip hop to trance, RJD2 and the members of Break Science have many different inspirations. This urgency complimented the following act’s, Black Moth Super Rainbow’s, more experimental and atmospheric sound. Distorted guitars and keyboards along with muffled bass line and barely recognizable vocals, the music has a complex and palpable texture. The bands worked together, taking the audience to a rolling crescendo and climax with Break Science and then being eased to a billowing valley by Black Moth Super Rainbow.
In order to satisfy my dance tent desires, I ambled towards the Grooveshark Tent to catch Four Tet. The weather was beginning to turn and as I enjoyed the set, I slowly prepared my rain gear for the inevitable downpour. Four Tet is a heavily experimental act, using programmed beats in new ways, often resulting in a trip-hop type of sound. The crowd was receptive and it was difficult not to be engaged.
Shpongle LIVE @ Camp Bisco 8th July 2011
Thanks to Lost in Sound for the recording
As the sun began to fall behind the horizon so did the rain. I made sure to scope out Sphongle before the rain became too unbearable. Along with trippy looped vocals, there was an undeniable eastern influence in their use of flutes and percussion. Dubbing themselves “psyambient,” Sphongle is notorious for its weird factor and they lived up to the reputation.
The looped vocals often would warble and become so distorted it would have an “uncanny valley” effect on my ears. Additionally, there was a dancer on stage with a strange neon costume of what I can only describe as being a human
Slinky. Definitely a pleasure for the ears and the eyes.
As only they can, The Disco Biscuits took the stage and satisfied thousands of fans once again with an explosive set that outlasted the rain. Beginning with “Vassillios”, the band went through their set with gusto and confidence. By the time they wrapped up their first set of the night with “Basis For a Day,” everyone was on edge for the next act, Ratatat.
Ratatat, from Brooklyn, combine rock with a very new wave electronic sound and hip-hop inspiration. Their sound distinguishes themselves from the plethora of bands coming from Brooklyn with their complex instrumental songs, unique and bemusing visuals, and the sweeping epic sound that’s present in almost every song in the set. Unique and engaging, it’s very easy to get pulled into a song and to get lost in the screens showing exploding fireworks, a white budgie, or a series of faces (just as in their videos). While Disco Biscuit’s performance was special, Easy Star All Stars kept me grooving, and Four Tet was a long awaited treat, the day’s favorite was definitely Ratatat.
Like most endeavors, proper planning is necessary to ensure success. The rain continued through the night and though the organizers were making all efforts to minimize the mud and the danger of the slipper walk ways, there is a time to call a night a night. After a full day of my feet with every sense stimulated, it was good to have had a great and memorable time while learning about the diversity of the electronica genre.
Day 2
Papadosio
Udachi
Easy Star All Stars
Break Science with RJD2
Black Moth Super Rainbow
Four Tet
Shpongle
The Disco Biscuits
Ratatat
